Marc Hirschi takes victory at Giro dell'Appennino

Marc Hirschi has taken victory at the 84th edition of the Giro dell'Appennino, edging out Cristián Rodríguez in a final sprint to the line.

On a mountainous route that features almost 3000 meters of climbing, it's not a brutal race but expected to be one for the climbers, or puncheurs.

As the riders crested the final summit of the day, Cristián Rodríguez of Team Arkéa Samsic held a 35 second advantage over chasing pair that included Marc Hirschi with the likes of Louis Meintjes and Henok Mulubrhan over a minute behind.

With over 15km of flat to the line following the final descent however, it was still all to play for.

Hirschi joined Rodriguez with 3.3km to go and with the rest of the race far behind, victory was to come from one of the pair.

In a final sprint to the line it was Hirschi who emerged the winner.