Intro:

Diego Ulissi wins Giro stage five while Michael Matthews retains pink jersey on Wednesday.

Script:

The weather had improved for stage five of the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday.

Team Sky's Ben Swift had criticised he race organisers for putting the health of the riders at risk during Tuesday's wet conditions but the sun was shining on the all the riders during the 200k route from Taranto to Viggiano.

Orica Green-Edge's Michael Matthews wore the Maglia Rosa for a stage that posed the first real peaks to challenge the peloton.

The wind and rain did eventually return to cause a crash with more than 20km remaining.

Davide Malacarne and Gianluca Brambilia led the way after the final climb of the day but the Italians were soon caught by the group.

It led to a thrilling finish as the sprinters battled with the GC contenders.

Diego Ullisi prevailed with Cadel Evans crossing the line in second, followed by Julian Arredondo.

Race favourites Joaquim Rodriguez and Nairo Quintana both finished in the top ten.

Michael Matthews enjoyed a strong end to the stage to finish sixth to remain in pink for stage six.

Team-mate Pieter Weening is fourteen seconds behind him in second.

Evans is a further second adrift in third.