Italy's Damiano Cima, 25, took the spoils in the sixth stage of the Tour of China road cycling race on Thursday, in Qianjiang City, Hubei Province.
This year's Tour of China began in Sichuan Province on Sept. 8 and is set to conclude 16 days later after a 1,600km ride through several central Chinese provinces.
The Qianjiang stage of the race covers 113 kilometers, with two sprint points at the 25.9km and 41.3km marks and a climbing point at 29.4km.
Against some fierce competition, Cima took the stage, riding for Italy's Nippo-Vini Fantini team. Behind him, Marco Benfatto of Italy's Androni Giocattoli Intercontinental Team and Juan Sebastian Molano of Colombia's Manzana Postobon squad came in second and third respectively.
Riders compete during the road cycling race of 2018 Tour of China in Qianjiang city, China, Sept. 13, 2018. /VCG Photo
On the leaderboard, Molano maintained his yellow jersey and his overall lead in the standings. The "Climbing King's" polka dot jersey was won by Molano's teammate Sergio Higuita, with the blue "Sprint King" jersey going to Benfatto.
Meanwhile, the white jersey, awarded to the best Chinese rider, was taken by Niu Yikui.
Speaking after the stage, Molano said that the people in Qianjiang were very friendly, and that the track is good. "I'm very happy to finish well and hope to keep up the good work tomorrow."
First run in 2010, the Tour of China is organized by the International Cycling Union and the Chinese Cycling Association.