Karlijn Swinkels claimed a strong fifth place today at the Giro dell’Emiliaternazionale Donne Elite, which concluded on the iconic climb of San Luca in Bologna.
The 126.7 km race, starting from Mirandola and finishing on the steep slopes of San Luca, saw an early breakaway of four riders who animated the first part of the race before being caught by the peloton in the final kilometers as the favorites came into action. Throughout the day, UAE Team ADQ kept the situation under control, setting up Swinkels for the finale.
On the first ascent of the final climb, a select group of leaders formed, including Karlijn Swinkels, while just behind a quartet featuring Brodie Chapman, Greta Marturano, and Alena Amialiusik gave chase. Everything was decided on the last ascent, where Kim Le Court-Pienaar (AG Insurance – Soudal Team) launched the winning attack, finishing ahead of Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl–Trek) and Yara Kastelijn (Fenix–Deceuninck).
Behind them, Swinkels was fifth.
At the end of the race, the Dutch rider also received a special award from the Lega Ciclismo Professionistico dedicated to promoting safety in cycling.
(ph. Getty Sport)
