The final stage of the 2016 Giro Rosa was won by Thalita de Jong, who attacked a break group that had dwindled from nine to six on the final climb. 

The 104km race started and finished in  Verbania, and conditions were – as they have been all week – hot. In typical finishing stage fashion, the final day included several shorter laps to showcase the race to the local community, and there were plenty of sections through narrow streets to keeps the race lively.

Early on in the race, nine riders managed to break from the front of the peloton – including de Jong. Six attempted to chase them, but to no avail – their lead was swallowed up by the fast moving pack.

The riders in the first group however, did managed to maintain their advantage, though several splintered as the final climb took its toll.

As the select group lessened in numbers, de Jong made her move. After chasing down  Ane Santesteban (Ale Cippolini) she carried on riding hard until she was clear of her breakaway partners to reach the line alone.

Behind her in second was  Riejanne Markus (Liv-Plantur) with Maria Giulia Confalonieri (Lensworld-Zannata) third.

None of those who escaped were any threat to the lead Megan Guanier (Boels-Dolmans) had on the General Classification – meaning she finished the race in the Pink jersey – also adding extra points to the Women’s World Tour lead she already had going into the race. Chapeau!

Check out the VeloFocus pics from the day…