Dutch cyclist Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) won the opening stage of the women’s version of the race in Italy. In the completely flat first stage between Cesenatico and Ravenna of 139 km, the Dutchwoman celebrated after finishing the main sprint ahead of the Italian Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) and Irko Lara Gillespie (UAE ADQ).
A few breakaways tried to attack today on the completely flat stage, but the main group caught them 50 km before the finish line. The finish was decided by the sprint of the larger group, in which the 27-year-old Dutch woman had the most power for her 127th career victory.
Celebrating in the streets of Ravenna, Wiebes will wear the pink jersey of the Giro overall leader, four seconds ahead of Balsama and six ahead of Gillespie thanks to bonus seconds.
The only Slovenian representative in the race Urška Žigart (AG Insurance-Soudal) crossed the finish line in the winner’s time in 56th place. Like about 70 other cyclists, she will start the second stage ten seconds behind the leading Dutchwoman. Sunday’s second stage between the towns of Roncade and Caorle, 156 km long, will also be completely flat and suitable for sprinters, after which more mountainous stages will follow. The women’s Giro will conclude in Saluzzo next Sunday after nine stages.
