Ryder Hesjedal assumed the race lead at the Giro d’Italia after finishing fifth on stage seven, with Paolo Tiralongo claiming victory on the first summit finish of the 2012 race. Here’s how it happened…

Adriano Malori (Lampre-ISD) started the day in the leader’s jersey having finished second on stage six.

The 210km stage featured two categorised climbs and was the first mountains stage of the race.

Malori began to slip back through the peloton on the final climb before being spat out of the back to end his chances to retaining the maglia rosa.

Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD, second in shot) and Tiralongo (Astana, third) moved to the front of the peloton as the finish approached.

Defending champion Michele Scarponi (Lampre-ISD) attacked in the final 700m and only Tiralongo could follow him, before sprinting to victory ahead of his compatriot.

Hesjedal (Gamin-Barracuda) rolled across the line in fifth to move into the overall lead.

The Canadian now holds a 15-second advantage over Tiralongo at the top of the general classification.

Tiralongo’s victory was his second at the Giro d’Italia having previous won stage 19 in last year’s race.