The 136km run was from Torre San Patrizio to Monte San Pietrangeli. But Vainsteins' victory was overshadowed by the fall of overnight race leader Sergei Ivanov. The Russian had to be taken to hospital after tumbling just 500m from the finish. Organisers said he suffered head bruises but did not elaborate on the extent of the injuries. Thrilling finish Ivanov, who leads Italian teammate Roberto Petito by one second in the overall standings, did not cross the finish line but his time was given as the same as other finishers as the fall occurred close to the finish.
International rules consider all cyclists as finishers once they enter the last kilometre.
Italian cyclist Lope Boselli was also being treated for injuries sustained in the same incident. Italy's Marco Serpellini finished third. Markus Zberg, Switzerland, same time 3. Marco Serpellini, Italy, same time 4. Biagio Conte, Italy, same time 5.