Pozzovivo began the 116 kilometre stage from Locarno to La Punt with a 25sec deficit to the general classification leader and fellow Italian, Damiano Caruso.

The duo were part of an eight-man group, featuring the overall contenders, approaching the second major climb of the day.

It included second placed Steven Kruijswijk of the Netherlands, Spain’s Jon Izaguirre and Portugal’s Rui Costa.

Having held off the challenge of several attacks, Caruso proved unable to prevent Pozzovivo from breaking clear as they headed towards the final 10km of the stage.

Pozzovivo joined Michael Woods at the top of the summit, with the Canadian having been the lone survivor of the early breakaway.

He would be left behind by the Italian on a tricky descent, primarily due to wet conditions.

Pozzovivo eventually crossed the finish line solo, taking the stage win in a time of 4 hour, 38min and 49sec.

Costa, the 2013 world champion, led Izaguirre and Switzerland’s Mathias Frank over the line, four seconds down.

Slovenia’s Simon Spilak and Kruijswijk were 12sec behind the winner, with Caruso coming across a further three behind.

Having received 10 bonus seconds for winning the stage, Pozzovivo now boasts the same overall time as Caruso but took over the leader’s jersey.

Kruijswijk is 13sec behind the duo.

The International Cycling Union WorldTour race is due to continue tomorrow with a 160km stage from Zernez to Sölden.