September 14/20 13:33 pm - Giro d’Italia Internazionale Femminile (Giro Rosa) Stage 4

Posted by Editoress on 09/14/20
 

The longest stage of the Giro Rosa 2020, the fourth, from Assisi to Tivoli of 165 kilometres, was conquered by Elizabeth Banks after a days long break. On the final section that led to the center of Tivoli, Banks got the better of Eugenia Bujak, her escape companion from the very beginning, who reached the finish line with a delay of 7s. At 1:10, was race leader Annemiek Van Vleuten, consolidating her advantage over her rivals in the general classification. Fourth place of Elisa Longo Borghini who also improved her position in the general classification.

Today's stage was from teh start not gentle the athletes who from the first kilometers had to deal with a summer's sultry heat and with a hilly course leading to aggression from the peloton. Among the first to attack was Ruth Winder (Trek-Segafredo) who managed to gain up to 45s on the peloton. The acceleration of the group at the GPM at Arrone, won by Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, brought the group back together until the attempt by Banks and Bujak. Silvia Valsecchi and Rachel Neylan also tried the attack, unfortunately had no luck. The advantage of the attackers reached up to 6min before dropping as the teams of the contenders worked together for the final victory, including Annemiek Van Vleuten who launched an attack closer to the arrival in Tivoli.

By now, however, it is too late and the two leader were the only ones who could contest the final. Banks had better legs and two kilometres from the finish line sprinted going for the win on the stage. Elizabeth Banks, with today's victory, adds to her previous success of last year in Maniago, in the eighth stage of the Giro Rosa.

Leah Kirchmann (Team Sunweb) was top Canadian in 67th at 4:31 back and sits 39th in the overall at 15:18 behind the leader.

Results from the fourth stage in Italy