Stage 2 of the Giro Rosa kicked off today with six laps of a 20km route that was pitched as perfect for the sprinters thanks to the flat course. But it was not all smooth sailing for the riders who had high temperatures and an abundance of potholes to deal with.

Stage 2 Giro Rosa: Hot, hard, hectic, putholes galore – https://t.co/DWe0dHGPzE

— Marijn de Vries (@marijnfietst) July 6, 2014

It seemed however that a bumpy ride would not deter Italian rider Giorgia Bronzini of the Wiggle Honda team. Looking relaxed and playful this morning at sign on, in a pair of comedy glasses, Bronzini posed for photos ahead of what turned out to be one of her most impressive performances this year.

Crossing the line first today ahead of Rabo Liv’s Marianne Vos, Bronzini showed us exactly why she is considered on the world’s most talented sprinters.

In what was described as a fast race, with things really hotting up at the halfway point, it was a nail biting finish with a bunch sprint. Still holding the pink jersey we have no doubt that Marianne Vos will come out fighting in Stage 3 of the Giro Rosa which will cover a total distance of 125.3km.

Fast stage today! Became Second in the sprint but more important we defended the leaders Jersey. Tomorrow again in Pink 🙂

— Marianne Vos (@marianne_vos) July 6, 2014

Starting just around the corner from the prologue course in Caserta, Stage 3 of the Giro Rosa will be the first chance for potential General Classification contenders to show their worth on some pretty hectic climbs.

We can’t wait to see what tomorrow has in store. In the meantime here is a brief summary of the results from Stage 3 of the Giro Rosa 2014:

1° Giorgia Bronzini (Wiggle Honda)
2° Marianne Vos (Rabo Liv)
3° Shelley Olds (Ale – Cipollini – Galassia)
4° Carmen Small (Specialized – Lululemon)
5° Annemiek Van Vleuten (Rabo Liv)

Overall standings after the second stage: 1. Marianne Vos (Rabo-Liv) ‘ 50 ‘ 5:38 ‘ 2° Pauline Ferrand Prevot (Rabo-Liv) ‘ +21 ‘ 3° Elisa Longo Borghini (Hitec Products) +29 ‘ ‘ 4° Emma Johansson (Orica-AIS) ‘ 50 ‘ +1 ‘ 5° Megan Guarnier (Boels Dolmans) +1 ‘ 50 ‘

Also worth a read:

Everything you need to know about the Giro Rosa 2014

Rabo Liv Dominate at the Prologue of the Giro Rosa 2014

Marianne Vos Takes Stage 1 of the Giro Rosa 2014