|
||||
|
Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling’s Elisa Longo Borghini confirmed her status as one of the biggest favourites for the general classification of the 2017 Giro d’Italia Femminile - Giro Rosa - in only the second stage, as she finished in a highly elite trio in Montereale Valcellina. The Italian Champion rode clear of the peloton, with Annemiek van Vleuten (Orica-Scott) and Anna van der Breggen (Boels-Dolmans) on the 2nd category climb of Forcella di Pala Barzana in the final quarter of the 122km stage. 
Longo Borghini finished third behind the two Dutch riders, a minute and 54 seconds ahead of the next group on the road. Van der Breggen takes over the race leader’s Pink Jersey, but Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling’s Italian Champion is just 26 seconds behind; as by far the best Italian rider in the race, she also retains the Blue Jersey that she took after Stage One. “Today was a very good day in the saddle,” Longo Borghini said after the stage. “The team worked perfectly in the early, flat kilometres, and put Claudia [Lichtenberg] and me into a perfect position onto the climb. “Van Vleuten attacked and I was able to follow her, the Italian Champion added. “We had a good lead at the top of the climb, and the descent was pretty solid. Then we went really fast to the finish line.” 
Longo Borghini’s finish on the stage moved the Italian Champion up to third place overall, with the next rider already two minutes back with only the second of ten stages completed. She also has a firm grip on the Blue Jersey as best Italian rider, but is keen to avoid too many predictions at such an early stage. “I think it's better to keep the feet on the ground,” she smiled. It’s nice to have a third place overall but the Giro is very long.” 
Photo Credit: Anton Vos Result |
||||
;