Filippo Ganna put in one of the strongest climbing performances of his career to hold third place following the penultimate stage at Tirreno-Adriatico.
The Italian battled hard on the Frontignano summit finish, limiting his losses and holding on to a provisional overall podium.
Ganna now sits 38 seconds back on new leader and stage winner Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates - XRG), with the race set to conclude in a likely bunch sprint on Sunday.
The Grenadier was well protected by his teammates throughout the day, where he entered the final climb alongside Laurens De Plus. Unfortunately the Belgian was distanced early on, and rode at his own tempo to the finish.