Race News

Giro Rosa Stage 5: That was some Individual Time-Trial Event!

Today's stage was a brutal individual time-trial with some seriously steep climbs

The fifth stage of the 18th annual Giro Rosa kicked off today in Sant’Elpidio a Mare where the riders were challenged to a 12.7km individual time trial.

To recap on yesterday’s Stage Four… We saw brutal cross winds fracture the peloton as it reached the final kilometres of the 118km course. The leading group sprinted for the line in a dramatic finish which required photo confirmation that clearly showed Jolien D’hoore inching over first. With more exciting stages to come, here’s a reminder of the stages of the Giro Rosa 2017:

Stage 1: Aquileia – Grado 11.5 km (TTT)
Stage 2: Zoppola – Montereale Valcellina 122.3 km
Stage 3: San Fior – San Vendemiano 100 km
Stage 4: Occhiobello – Occhiobello 118 km
Stage 5: Sant’Elpidio a Mare – Sant’Elpidio a Mare 12.7 km (ITT)
Stage 6: Roseto degli Abruzzi – Roseto degli Abruzzi 116.2 km
Stage 7: Isernia – Baronissi 142 km
Stage 8: Baronissi – Palinuro 141.8 km
Stage 9: Palinuro – Polla 122.3 km
Stage 10: Torre del Greco – Torre del Greco 124 km

There are five rider jerseys up for grabs each day and after Stage Three here’s who’s wearing what as riders went into Stage 5…

PINK Jersey COLNAGO: Anna Van der Breggen (Boels Dolmans)
CYCLAMINE Jersey SELLE SMP: Hannah Barnes (Canyon SRAM)
GREEN Jersey PURPLE by GLOBAL STOCK: Annemiek Van Vleuten (Orica-Scott)
WHITE Jersey COLNAGO: Floortje Mackaij (Team Sunweb)
BLUE Jersey GSG: Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle High5)

Stage 4: Sant’Elpidio a Mare – 12.7 km (ITT)

Today’s stage was a big deal for the teams. An individual time-trial event is where points can be made and inspire a real shake-up in the GC. The riders had to take on a 12.7km course which included two brutal climbs with 20% inclines.

Riders set out in reverse GC order at 1-minute intervals with the final 10 riders setting out with 2 minutes in between. Vittoria Reati was the first to start with Canyon//SRAM’s Zwift Academy winner, Leah Thorvilson setting off soon after.

As riders set off to take on the short and steep time-trial course, finishers rotated the hot-seat in anticipation and set times continuously being smashed by others. At one point, Canyon//SRAM rider and winner of the Giro Rosa Stage 3, Hannah Barnes set an incredible time of 27:42.

It wasn’t until Annemiek Van Vleuten (Orica-Scott) smashed the course out in an outstanding time of 25:29 which secured her second win of the Giro Rosa.

Results:

1. Annemiek Van Vleuten 25’29”
2. Anna Van der Breggen +41”
3. Elisa Longo Borghini +1’15”
4. Amanda Spratt +1’48”
5. Megan Guarnier +1’53”

Jersey results:

PINK Jersey COLNAGO: Anna Van der Breggen (Boels Dolmans)
CYCLAMINE Jersey SELLE SMP: Annemiek Van Vleuten (Orica-Scott)
GREEN Jersey PURPLE by GLOBAL STOCK: Annemiek Van Vleuten (Orica-Scott)
WHITE Jersey COLNAGO: Floortje Mackaij (Team Sunweb)
BLUE Jersey GSG: Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle High5)