Giro Rosa: Stage 4 Results & Comments

Marianna Vos takes her second stage win in a row after soloing away in the final. Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

Nothing out of the ordinary in Giro Rosa. Marianne Vos won her second stage in a row and extended her lead in the overall classification.  She made the race hard herself and in the end she soloed after from a small breakaway. Vos doesn’t leave anything to other riders as she proves to be able to win any stage in this year’s Giro Rosa. She says: “After two second places and two victories I can’t ask for me. Winning is never easy and there is still many uphill kilometers before we get to Cremona on Sunday”.

Tomorrow is the Queen Stage of this year’s Giro Rosa. The 73.3 km to Monte Beigua end with a steep climb towards the finishing line. In our Overall Preview of the race, Walter Zini picked Evelyn Stevens as the favorite for the stage and Stevens has high ambitions. “I like tomorrow’s stage profile a lot. My team is strong and we aim to win. Still, it’s never easy with Vos in the race”.

South African Ashleigh Moolman took third place on Stage 4. A result that really boosted her moral: “I love these uphill finishes and my podium spot today gives me confidence for the upcoming stages”, Moolman explains.

Stage 4 results:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) a 3"

3. Moolman Ashleigh (Lotto Belisol Ladies) a 3"

4. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 3"

5. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 7"

6. Van der Breggen Anna (Nazionale Olanda) a 9"

7. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 18"

8. Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo) a 20"

9. Cromwell Tiffany (Orica Ais) a 20"

10. Abbot Mara (Nazionale Usa) a 22"

Overall Classification:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 1'31"

3. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) a 1'33"

4. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 1'39"

5. Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck) A 1'41"

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Points: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Youth: Van der Breggen Anna (Nazionale Olanda)

Best Italian: Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia)

By Alberto Celani & Mikkel Condé

Giro Rosa: Stage 3 Results & Comments

Marianne Vos on the podium after winning Stage 3 of Giro Rosa. Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

The main news of stage 3 is that Marianne Vos finally won a stage and once again demonstrated she is the Queen of cycling. She displayed her skills downhill, uphill and in the flat part of the stage. The World and Olympic Champion crossed the line alone after a long break where she dropped all her fellow escapees. Naturally, Marianne Vos keeps the Pink Jersey.

The stage started out with a break of six riders getting away. Vos had teammate Brand with her together with White Jersey Guarischi, the Green Jersey Scandolara and Cromwell and Hall. After 65 km Vos made another selection and this time only Cromwell could keep up. Unfortunately Cromwell crashed on the final descent with few km to go and had to see her stages of a stage win wash away. “I will try again on another stage”, Cromwell said after crossing the line.

The steep finish of 10 % wasn't a problem for Marianne Vos who managed to keep a gap of 45 seconds to Claudia Hausler and Tatiana Guderzo. Rossella Ratto crossed the line 50 seconds after Marianne Vos and she’s now new rider in the White Jersey.

After her stage win Vos explained that it wasn’t her plan to attack that far from the finishing line. However it served her well as she took 55 seconds on her main rival Evelyn Stevens. Overall Marianne Vos now leads with 1:13 min and one could wonder if the Giro has already found its winner.

Today’s stage winner Marianne Vos says: ”After ending second twice in a row I needed to win! The final part was very steep and very demanding on paves. I’m very happy I was able to extend my overall lead”.

After the stage we talked with Danish youngster Julie Leth about her first Giro Rosa. Leth managed to take the White Jersey on the very first stage and that came as a big surprise.

“I am here to support my teammates and it wasn’t my plan to take the White Jersey on Stage 1. I was planning to leadout my teammate in the first intermediate sprint but she overlooked the sprint and in the end only Vos overtook me. Therefore I got some unexpected bonus seconds. I didn’t think much about it but after the stage a teammate told me I might have gotten the White Jersey. It was a big surprise for me and I am very happy for it. This is my first Giro and I clearly didn’t expect this”, Julie Leth tells and explains her role on the team for the rest of the race.

“The terrain isn’t really for me so I won’t focus much on my own chances. Our designated team leader Elisa Longo Borghini crashed at her national championships and therefore we are only here with 5 riders which makes it very hard. However my teammate Rossella Ratto now has the White Jersey and I will do whatever I can to help her keep it”.

Wednesday’s Stage 4 is longest of this year’s Giro Rosa. The 137 km to Castelfidardo will be very hard for the girls but despite a slightly uphill finish, we expect a bunch sprint.

Stage 3 results:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 45’’

3. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Giordana) a 45’’

4. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 48’’

5. Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck) a 50’’

6. Moolman Ashleigh (Lotto Belisol Ladies) a 55’’

7. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) a 55’’

8. Van der Breggen Anna (Nazionale Olanda) a 58’’

9. Abbot Mara (Nazionale Usa) a 58’’

10.  UckGillow Shara (Orica Ais) a 1’02’’

Overall Classification:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Hausler Claudia (Team Tibco To The Top) a 1’13’’

3. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Giordana) a 1’15’’

4. Luperini Fabiana (Faren Kuota) a 1’22’’

5. Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck) a 1’24’’

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Points: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Scandolara Valentina (MCipollini Ale Galassia)

Youth: Ratto Rossella (Hitec Products Uck)

By Alberto Celani & Mikkel Condé

Tour de France: Stage 5 Preview & Favorites

Despite an undulating profile, this should be a stage for the sprinters. There are four categorized climbs on the menu but except for the first one, they shouldn’t really trouble the sprinters.

The Route

With its 228.5 km this is the longest stage of the Tour so far. Going west towards Marseille, the riders start climbing right away on Côte de Châteauneuf-Grasse. The climb is only 1.4 km long but it has an average gradient of 8.4 %. Many riders will be eager to get away and this is the perfect place to do so.

The two top sprinters of the race Mark Cavendish and Andre Greipel are yet to compete in a bunch sprint in this Tour and Omega Pharma Quickstep and Lotto-Belisol will have to control the race. Peter Sagan is also out for revenge after finishing second twice already and his Cannondale team should help out too.

The last categorized climb has its top with just 20 km to go. On Corsica, the late climbs proved to be too much for the sprinters but it shouldn’t be case this time. The 5.7 km towards the top of Côte des Bastides kick up with 3.1 % and Cavendish and especially Greipel should be able to stay in the bunch.

The final 4 km towards the finishing line.

The Finish

According to ASO Côte des Bastides was the last climb worth categorizing on this stage. However, the riders still have to overcome Col de la Gineste. The 7 km towards the top aren’t steep but if some sprinters had troubles on Côte des Bastides, they will have big problems getting back into the peloton in time for the final sprint. The view from the top of Côte des Bastides over the Mediterranean Sea is spectacular and the riders can almost see the finishing line 12.5 km ahead. The descent is much steeper than the ascent of the climb and this should make for a fast finish.

The riders enters Marseille with about 6 km to go and continue on big roads all the way to the line. Coming down Avenue du Prado towards the sea, the riders pass the last km port before turning left on Avenue Pierre Mendès France with just 500 meters to go. It’s not a very difficult corner but it will stretch out the peloton. Therefore, it’s important to be among the first five or six riders in order to win the stage. Like the view from the top of Col de la Gineste, also the final 500 meters are breathtaking with the hills in the background and the Mediterranean Sea on the right side. So far ASO have really spoiled us with post card scenery in this 100^th edition of the Tour de France.

The Favorites

With everybody on 100 %, I would pick Mark Cavendish as the favorite. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Cavendish started out the Tour with bronchitis and even though he’s feeling better, he hasn’t been great so far. Another good candidate for this stage is Peter Sagan. He will have no problems with the climbs but the crash on Stage 1 has weakened him. He barely managed to keep Michal Kwiatkowski behind him on Stage 2 and came up short against Simon Gerrans on Stage 3. Sagan’s team hasn’t been good enough so far and even though it’s hard to bet against him, I don’t see Sagan as the big favorite for this stage.

Instead, my favorite is Andre Greipel. The German Champion came to the Tour in great shape but hasn’t been able to show it yet. He couldn’t keep up with the front group on Stage 2 but he came close to bridge the gap. On Stage 3 he quickly realized it wasn’t going to happen and I think he saved a little energy being dropped early on. Many don’t think Andre Greipel is good on the hills but he’s actually not bad at all. In Tour of Turkey he won Stage 4 despite a long climb near the finish and he has won uphill sprints in the past too. The hills today are not steep at all and Lotto-Belisol showed on the TTT that they are very strong. Both Greipel and Cavendish are behind in the fight for the Green Jersey and they can’t let this opportunity go to waste. Orica-GreenEdge will work hard in order to keep the Yellow Jersey and this should come down to a bunch sprint.

The Jokers

One of the strongest riders so far in this Tour de France has been Juan-Antonio Flecha. He has been attacking almost every day and I would be surprised not to see him try again soon. Vacansoleil-DCM are still without sponsors for next season and the riders are eager to show themselves and help the team get seen on TV. As I’ve said, it won’t be easy for a breakaway to make it on this stage. The sprinters’ teams want control the race and a morning breakaway seems doomed.

The view from the top of Col de la Gineste over the sea.

However, a late attack in the final may be the right choice. Normally I wouldn’t pick Flecha for an uphill attack but he showed on Stage 2 that his legs are great and that he’s climbing just fine. Flecha is fast on the line and should he manage to get away over the top of Col de la Gineste, the peloton will have to work hard in order to catch him. The wind is in favor of the peloton though. The final 12 km take place in a strong head / cross wind and that makes it hard to maintain a gap. Especially the last 2 km on Avenue Pierre Mendès will be extremely hard alone against the pack.

On the topic of jokers, look out for Julien Simon as well.  The French sprinter was furious after Stage 3 when Rojas blocked his way. According to Simon he had the legs to win the stage and he will be eager to demonstrate that in Marseille. His team mate Julien El Fares is another candidate. I’ve already mentioned El Fares earlier in the Tour and this is a stage he has marked in his road book. He comes from the area and his family and friends will be out cheering for him. However, in order for El Fares to succeed he needs to attack from a far. If he’s not up the road already, the Frenchmen will have to work hard for teammate Julien Simon in the final sprint.

Favorite: Andre Greipel

Jokers: Juan-Antonio Flecha / Julien Simon

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 5:

Tour de France: Stage 4 TTT Preview & Favorites

After three spectacular days on Corsica, Tour de France now continues on the mainland. The surroundings in Nice are not bad at all but for the TV-viewers Corsica will be missed. Before the Tour started, Omega Pharma Quickstep were the big favorite for this stage. However, the three days on Corsica have changed that fact a little.

The Route

Looking at the map this is a stage for the big powerhouses. The 25 km in Nice take place on big roads and only include nine corners. Furthermore, the profile is as flat as a pancake. The first 1.5 km are the most technical with three 90° corners before the riders get on Promenade des Anglais. There is a split time after 13 km and from here on there are only two corners to overcome. This means that fastest team at the split time won’t necessarily win the stage.

Starting Order
15:15 Argos-Shimano
15:19 Omega Pharma Quickstep
15:23 Lotto-Belisol
15:27 Cannondale
15:31 Cofidis
15:35 FDJ.fr
15:39 Belkin
15:43 Garmin-Sharp
15:47 Euskaltel
15:51 Sky
15:55 Katusha
15:59 Sojasun
16:03 Astana
16:07 Movistar
16:11 Team Saxo-Tinkoff
16:15 Europcar
16:19 AG2R
16:23 Orica-GreenEdge
16:27 Lampre
16:31 Vacansoleil-DCM
16:35 BMC
16:39 Radioshack

The Favorites

As stated in the beginning Omega Pharma Quickstep came to the Tour as the big favorites for this stage. The Belgian team won the World Championship last year and bring strong time trialists like Sylvain Chavanel, Tony Martin, Michal Kwiatkowski, Niki Terpstra and Peter Velits. Add to that list Mark Cavendish who always delivers a top performance in these disciplines. Unfortunately, Omega Pharma Quickstep haven’t had much luck so far. Tony Martin went down hard in the big crash on Stage 1 which also ended Mark Cavendish’ chances of the Yellow Jersey. Cavendish himself has been suffering from bronchitis lately and on Stage 3 Niki Terpstra crashed on a descent. I still think Omega Pharma Quickstep will make podium on this stage but they are not the big favorite anymore.

The way I see it, Garmin-Sharp is now the new favorite. The American team has always had high ambitions for the team time trials and they have an incredible strong team. All nine riders – except for Dan Martin - are good against the clock and David Millar will be eager to take the yellow jersey after he missed out with just one second on Stage 2. Garmin-Sharp won the team time trial in the Giro d’Italia last year and took the leader’s jersey and I wouldn’t be surprised if they do same thing in Nice.

Orica-GreenEdge also bring a very strong team for this TTT and the course really suits them with strong motors like Cameron Meyer, Brett Lancaster, Daryl Impey and especially Svein Tuft. The Australian team don’t have any riders for the overall classification and this is surely one of their key stages in this year’s Tour de France. The moral is high after they got their first ever stage win in the Tour de France and they are one of the few teams not worried about getting the Yellow Jersey “too soon”. The other GC teams would like to save energy for the last week but without a GC rider, GreenEdge will enjoy it to the fullest, should they win this team time trial.

The map of Stage 4. Click for larger view.

Originially Team Sky were one of my favorites for this stage but they too have been suffering from crashes. Geraint Thomas rides with a fractured pelvis and Ian Stannard is not doing great either after his crash. 

Chris Froome, Richie Porte and Edvald Boasson Hagen are all among the best time trialists in the race and even without Thomas on his best, they should be able to do a top performance. Still, I doubt they can pull of a win like they did in the Giro earlier this year.

It wouldn’t be fair not to mention Movistar. For unknown reasons the Spanish team are always considered underdogs for the team time trials. However, they have been among the absolute best teams the recent years. They won the opening TTT in Vuelta España last year and they took 2^nd place in Giro d’Italia this year. On paper, Movistar don’t bring many good time trialists but their really know how to make it work when it counts. Most people will probably be surprised should Movistar make Top3 but if you take a minute to think about, it shouldn’t really surprise you.

The Joker

I’ve already named the teams I think will make Top5 on this stage, therefore it’s difficult to pick a joker with a chance of surprising. Still, I have a good feeling about the Belkin team. Lars Boom has been very active the first two stages and he’s great against the clock. Like the Movistar the individual riders are not among the best time trialists in the race but together they make it work. Bauke Mollema, Robert Gesink and Lars-Petter Nordhaug are known for being good in the mountains but they also know how to ride a good time trial. It seems to me that the Dutch team is super motivated after Belkin took over as team sponsor and I think they will put in strong ride in Nice.

Favorites: Garmin-Sharp / Omega Pharma Quickstep

Joker: Team Belkin

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 4:

Giro Rosa 2013 - Stage 2 Results & Comments

Giorgia Bronzini wins Stage 2 of Giro Rosa while Marianne Vos avoids a spectacular crash. Photo: Giro Rosa Press Office

The former World Champion Giorgia Bronzini (Geelong 2010 and Copenhagen 2011) won Stage 2 of Giro Rosa in  a bunch sprint on the Pontecagnano Fagnano circuit. Marianne Vos took second place on the stage and stays in pink. Bronzini, after her seventh victory of the season, said: “I am more than happy. My last victory at the Giro came back in 2008, a lifetime ago. Yesterday was a bad day for me. I punctured on both of my wheels at the same time and when my teammate was giving me her wheel, a rider crashed into her”.

In the final sprint, Marianne Vos came close to crashing down but her exceptional bike handling skills saved her. Vos explains: “Even though I didn’t win the stage I must celebrate for not falling off my bike. I was just about to crash with the whole peloton coming down on me. My shoe got out of the pedal because of a small hole in the road. Thanks to my skills, and maybe a bit of luck, nothing happened”.

New rider in the White Jersey is Barbara Guarischi who took it from Danish Julie Leth. “It’s amazing to see my name on the podium with Bronzini and Vos. I am very excited. This has never happened in such an important race before”, Guarischi says.

Tomorrow’s Stage 3 a tricky one. The 102 km start andfFinish in Castel Volturno (CS) where Noemi Cantele (one of the big absents from the race) won back in 2009.

Stage 2 results:

1. Bronzini Giorgia (Wiggle Honda)

2. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) s.t.

3. Guarischi Barbara (Vaiano Fondriest) s.t.

4. Hall Lauren (Nazionale Usa) s.t.

5. Collins Emily (Wiggle Honda) s.t.

6. Ferrand Prevot Pauline (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) s.t.

7. Kozonchuk Oxana (Rusvelo) s.t.

8. Johnsen Cecilies Gotas (Hitec Products) s.t.

9. Amialiusik Alena (BePink) s.t.

10. Tagliaferro Marta (MCipollini Giordana) s.t.

Overall GC:

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

2. Tagliaferro Marta (MCipollini Giordana) a 17"

3. Guarischi Barbara (Vaiano Fondriest) a 17''

4. Leth Julie (Hitec Products) a 17"

5. Visser Adrie (Boels Dolmans Cycling Team) a 19''

The 5 Jerseys:

Leader: Marianne Vos (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Points: Marianne Vos (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

KOM: Valentina Scandolara (MCipollini Giordana)

Youth: Barbara Guarischi (Vaiano Fondriest)

Best Italian: Marta Tagliaferro (MCipollini Giordana)

By: Alberto Celani & Mikkel Condé

Tour de France: Stage 3 Preview & Favorites

The pure sprinters couldn’t keep up on Stage 2 and their chances are not getting better on Stage 3. Mark Cavendish didn’t get to wear the Yellow Jersey this year and now Omega Pharma Quickstep have to change their focus. It could be a stage for a breakaway to make but most likely it will all come down to the final climb.

The Route

The starts with a category 4 climb right from the beginning. Col de San Bastiano is only 3.4 km long but its average gradient of 4.6 % will make a perfect place for a breakaway to be established. 15 km later, it’s time for the intermediate sprint and with the pure sprinters gone for the stage win, Cavendish and Greipel need to get points here.

There are only 117 km to go from the intermediate sprint and this short stage will be another fast one. Starting on the second climb of the day, there riders face 80 hilly km before the final climb. The hills are not very steep but in high speed and without time to relax they will make a big impact on the peloton.

The Finish

With about 17 km to go it’s time for the final struggle of the day; Col de Marsolino. This category 2 climb is only 3.3 km long but it has an average gradient of 8.3 %. It’s steep near the top and the narrow road will see the favorites fight hard to be in front starting on the descent. Crossing the top, there are 13.5 km to the finishing line and it’s crucial to be in front. The view from the top of Col de Marsolino is absolutely spectacular but it will only be for the fans and maybe the grupetto to admire. The first couple of kilometers of the descent are not easy at all and it will be difficult keeping the front group together.

The view from the top of Col de Marsolino
from the side the riders climb.

Coming down from the climb, the riders turn left with 9 km to go. The following 8.5 km take place in head wind with only one roundabout to overcome. It won’t be easy for a lonely rider to keep the peloton at bay. Still, as we saw on Stage 2; a small group of riders can make it if the peloton hesitates again. There is another roundabout with 500 meters to go and from hereon it’s straight out towards the line - tail wind all the way.

The Favorites

Looking at the profile of the stage, the big favorite has to be Peter Sagan. Cannondale missed out on Stage 2 as they didn’t have a strong enough team to close the gap. Sagan had to start his sprint early and even though he didn’t catch Jan Bakelants, he had no problems keeping the rest behind him. The Slovakian Champion managed to get important points to for the Green Jersey but he didn’t get much closer to the Yellow Jersey. In fact, it will be more than difficult for Sagan to rip the jersey of Bakelants’ shoulder tomorrow. Sagan’s plan was to wear yellow on the team time trial and for that to happen, he needs to drop Bakelants and the rest of the riders in front of him in Calvi. I wouldn’t be surprised if he managed to do it after all but Radioshack have a very strong team to defend the lead. I think Sagan will win the stage and take the Green Jersey but Bakelants will most likely stay in yellow.

The biggest threat to Peter Sagan is probably Michal Kwiatkowski. The Polish Champion is very fast on the line and he will be eager to hold on to his White Jersey. Omega Pharma Quickstep also have Sylvain Chavanel to play and I will be surprised not to see Chavanel attack in the final. He gambled – and lost – on Stage 2 when he didn’t want to close the gap to Bakelants. It would have been a great birthday gift for the French animateur but at least he has another chance on Stage 3. Chavanel shouldn’t have problems getting over the final climb and as a great descender, he may have a chance making it this time.

Another rider who has a very good chance on this stage is Simon Gerrans. The former Australian Champion was leadout man for Daryl Impey on Stage 2. Unfortunately Impey faded towards the line and is now “only” 4^th overall. Gerrans himself moved up to 6^th overall and in my opinion Stage 3 is a lot more suited for Gerrans than Impey. GreenEdge also have Michael Albasini but I think it would make more sense setting up Simon Gerrans in the final sprint. He’s fast and motivated and Gerrans’ success rate has been pretty good this season. He won in Catalunya and Pais Vasco the two days the team went for him and he has started out this Tour in a very strong way.

The Joker:

The final 5 km of the stage.

Radioshack will work hard to defend the Yellow Jersey and with that in mind, I doubt a morning breakaway will make it to the line. The teams with GC contenders also need to save some energy for the team time trial on Tuesday and that could hold back many domestique riders who usually would try on a stage like this. I think Peter Sagan will be very focused on not missing out a third day in a row. Cannondale (Sagan), Omega Pharma Quickstep (Kwiatkowski/Chavanel) and GreenEdge (Gerrans, Albasini & Impey) should be able to work together during the stage and control the race. Surely, some riders will try to get away on the final climb and I expect Pierre Rolland to attack in order to keep his Polka Dot Jersey. His teammate Thomas Voeckler is another good candidate but he can hardly be considered a joker.

As you can probably see, I don’t think the jokers have much chance on this stage. Still, I wouldn’t be fun not to mention one. Therefore, look to Julien El Fares. Sojasun didn’t start out Stage 2 in a very a good way but they still ended up with Julien Simon 3^rd overall anyway. The French wildcard team now need to show their team colors and looking at the stage profile, this could be a good day for Julien El Fares. He can cope with these climbs and he’s semi-fast on the line. El Fares finished 7^th overall in Tour de Luxembourg two weeks ago and he’s clearly in good shape. The Tour will soon reach his home roads - more on that when it happens - but I think this stage is good for him too.

Favorites: Peter Sagan / Simon Gerrans

Joker: Julien El Fares

For live race coverage go to Steephill.tv.

Just like during the Giro d’Italia this year, I once again have the chance to bring you daily “Fly Through” previews from Global Cycling Network. Here is Stage 3:

Giro Rosa 2013 - Stage 1 Results & Comments

Kirsten Wild beats Marianne Vos on the line to win the first stage of Giro Rosa 2013. Photo: GiroRosa Press Office

The first stage of Giro Rosa has been a Dutch Festival. Kirsten Wild won the bunch sprint, beating Marianne Vos in a photo finish. "I can’t explain how happy I am. I’m back in the peloton after one month break due to an injury on my shoulder. I really couldn’t ask for more", Wild said after crossing the line.

Despite only taking second place on the stage, Marianne Vos will start Stage 2 in the Pink Jersey. The World Champion said; "I missed out on the stage win with only a few centimeters. Still, it's always a blast wearing the pink jersey".

Julie Leth is wearing the White Jersey after Stage 1 and that came as a huge surprise for Danish youngster. “This is only my first month among the Elite and I didn’t expected such a good result. In fact, I didn’t even expect to keep up with the front group in the important races this year”, Leth explained after the stage.

Another girl who is fighting for the White Jersey is Ilaria Sanguineti from BePink. She is one of 50 riders with a chance of wearing white during Giro Rosa. “Being in the bunch during this race is amazing. It’s a dream come true. I will try to do something in the coming stages and why not take the White Jersey for a couple of days”, Sanguineti tells us.

Monday’s Stage 2 is 99.6 km long and takes place around Pontecagnano Faiano. It is a flat stage but will be much more nervous than Stage 1. We expect it to end with another bunch sprint but most likely in a reduced group. Ilaria Sanguineti tells: “Marianne Vos will take the start wearing the Pink Jersey and she won’t leave anything for the others”.

Stage 1 results:

1. Wild Kirsten (Nazionale Olanda) km 117,800 in 2h53'55" alla media di 40,640 km/h

2. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) s.t.

3. Tagliaferro Marta (MCipollini Giordana) s.t.

4. Janeliuaite Edita (Pasta Zara Cogeas) s.t.

5. Kozonchuk Oxana (Rusvelo) s.t.

6. Van Vleuten Annemiek (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) s.t.

7. Shelly Olds (Team Tibco To the top) s.t.

8. Hall Lauren (Nazionale Usa) s.t.

9. Kitchen Lauren (Wiggle Honda) s.t.

10. Trevisi Anna (Vaiano Fondriest) s.t.

Overall GC: 

1. Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) 2h53'43"

2. Wild Kirsten (Nazionale Olanda) a 2"

3. Tagliaferro Marta (MCipollini Giordana) a 8"

4. Visser Adrie (Boels Dolmans Cycling Team) a 10"

5. Leth Julie (Hitec Products) a 10"

The 5 Jerseys: 

Leader: Marianne Vos (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)

Points: Kirsten Wild (Nazionale Olanda)

KOM: Valentina Scandolara (MCipollini Giordana)

Youth: Julie Leth (Hitec Products)

Best Italian: Marta Tagliaferro (MCipollini Giordana)

By: Alberto Celani