Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago-CSF) claimed the biggest victory of his career on stage eight of the Giro d’Italia, while Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Barracuda) successfully defended the maglia rosa. Here are more stunning pictures as the Giro heads into its second week.

Kuota’s KOM Evos sit primed, ready for action.

Liquigas-Cannondale leader Ivan Basso is the man in demand ahead of the 229km stage.

Best young rider Peter Stetina makes some last-minute adjustments. The Garmin-Barracuda rider would later lose the white jersey. 

The road went uphill from the first kilometre, with Mark Cavendish and the rest of the sprinters facing a long day in the saddle.

Garmin-Barracuda controlled the pace at the front of the peloton to protect Hesjedal.

 The stage featured two categorised climbs, including the cat-2 Colle Molella.

Pozzovivo attacked seven kilometres from the finish and soon established a 30-second lead.

The Italian was urged on by plenty of supporters on the steep climb. 

The 29-year-old, who won the Giro del Trentino earlier this year, stayed clear to claim his first Giro d’Italia stage win.

Movistar’s Benat Intxausti went in pursuit of Pozzovivo but finished 23 seconds adrift of the winner, with the chasing peloton a further four seconds adrift.

Hesjedal finished in the main bunch to protect his overall lead.