The Giro d’Italia Women got underway today with the opening stage in Bergamo, a 14.2-kilometre individual time trial.
UAE Team ADQ’s team leader, Elisa Longo Borghini, delivered a strong performance, finishing in third place, 16 seconds behind stage winner and Maglia Rosa Marlen Reusser, and just 4 seconds behind European champion Lotte Kopecky, who placed second.
The Italian national road champion’s result was in line with her expectations, as she commented after the stage: “It was a very fast time trial. I gave it my all and tried to stick to my rhythm, and I think I delivered a good performance. Maybe I could have taken a few more risks in some of the corners, but overall I achieved the result I was aiming for. Losing 15–16 seconds to Marlen Reusser on a course like this is what I had anticipated, so I’m satisfied — it was a positive day.”
Alena Amialiusik secured a place in the top 25 with her 22nd position, while Silvia Persico finished just outside the top 30.
It was a challenging day for Australian champion Brodie Chapman, who suffered mechanical issues that forced her to change bikes during the stage.
Tomorrow the second stage Clusone – Aprica (92 km).
(ph. Getty Sport)
