The Mitchelton–Scott rider launched a solo attack and held off her competitors at the end of the 124.8 kilometres stage from Paganico.

Van Vleuten crossed the line 1min 16sec ahead of compatriot Anna van der Breggen, with Poland's Katarzyna Niewiadoma in third.

The stage victory for the formidable Dutch rider saw her snatch the Maglia Rosa from Elisa Longo Borghini, who went top of the general classification standings following Trek-Segafredo's win in the team time trial yesterday.

The 37-year-old leads overall by 1:18 over Van der Breggen heading into tomorrow's third stage.

"I went so deep because you never know what’s coming and you have to take every second, so I went from the bottom [of the Seggiano climb] to take as much time as possible because at this Giro we don’t have a big uphill finish so it can be a game of seconds in the end," said Van Vleuten.

"Every second can be useful.

"It was a time trial from the start of the gravel section. 

"I wanted to hit it as the first rider, and I did, and then I went.

"It’s always very special in Italy to wear the pink jersey."

The International Cycling Union Women's World Tour event continues with the third stage - a 142.2km route from Santa Fiora to Assisi - tomorrow.

The 10-stage Giro Rosa is the only women's Grand Tour.