Stage 3 of the Giro d’Italia Women added another important chapter to UAE Team ADQ‘s growing confidence and consistency throughout the race.
The 156-kilometre stage, entirely held in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, started in Bibione under alternating sunshine and rain before reaching the demanding finishing circuit in Buja. The day’s racing also delivered the first significant moves among the general classification contenders.
At the finish line, Elisa Longo Borghini secured fourth place, while Silvia Persico crossed the line in fifth, confirming another strong collective performance from the team.
As in the previous stages, a large breakaway group managed to gain an advantage early in the race, including riders from several WorldTour teams. However, the peloton gradually closed the gap and brought the race back together before entering the final circuit.
On one of the key climbs, European Champion Demi Vollering launched an attack following a strong acceleration by her teammates. Elisa Longo Borghini immediately responded, joining a select group that also included Anna van der Breggen and Marlen Reusser.
The quartet created a significant gap over the rest of the field on the steepest section of the climb. As the race progressed, several riders managed to bridge across, eventually forming a leading group of around 40 riders. Silvia Persico, Eleonora Gasparrini, Erica Magnaldi and Mavi Garcia were also among those who rejoined the front group.
The final uphill drag to the finish in Buja once again suited Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek), who strengthened her hold on the Maglia Rosa with another impressive victory. Lily Williams (Human Powered Health) finished second, Femke Gerritse (Team SD Worx-Protime) took third, while Elisa Longo Borghini and Silvia Persico completed the top five in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Following today’s stage, Longo Borghini now sits third overall in the general classification, 30 seconds behind the race leader.
The Giro d’Italia Women now heads into its first major climbing test, with tomorrow’s 12.7-kilometre uphill time trial from Belluno to Nevegal expected to provide the first real indication of the battle for the overall victory.
(ph. Getty Sport)
