It came on a predominantly flat 12.73 kilometres course which was considered deceptively tricky due to two climbs with gradients close to 30 per cent. 

The Dutch Orica-Scott rider finished in 25min 29sec to cross 41sec faster than compatriot and overall leader Anna van der Breggen.

It came after van Vleuten lost time yesterday on stage four.

Elisa Longo-Borghini of Italy finished third on the day, 1:15 behind the winner.

Van der Breggen, riding for Boels–Dolmans, now lies exactly 1:00 clear of Longo-Borghini overall.

Van Vleuten lies 1:15 behind in third but has not yet given up on the overall crown.

“Of course you also need good legs but I have been feeling really good throughout this Giro and I showed that again today,” she said.

“I was super disappointed yesterday but I managed to stay focused and I knew today was a chance to take some time back.

"The time gap on GC is still a lot but today gives me more confidence. 

"We will look at things day by day, I learnt the lesson the hard way yesterday not to switch off on flat stages so tomorrow I will be really focused.”

Stage six tomorrow will consist of a 116.16km journey from Roseto degli Abruzzi to Roseto degli Abruzzi.