July 3/23 17:41 pm - Longo Borghini Wins Stage 4 of Giro Donne

Posted by Editoress on 07/3/23
 

Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl Trek) won a three-way sprint with Veronica Ewers (EF Education TIBCO SVB) and Annemiek Van Vleuten(Movistar) who remains in the pink jersey.

Longo Borghini (Lidl Trek) won in Borgo Val di Taro after the longest stage of Giro Donne, her second victory in the race, after winning 2020 in Castelnuovo della Daunia

The longest stage of the 2023 edition took place in the province of Parma. On paper, the 134.3 kilometre stage from Fidenza to Borgo Val Di Taro was ideal for a victory by a fast rouleur or even for a sprinter; instead we witnessed an attack by the pink jersey. Today's stage featured three Category 3 climbs; the last one, Strela's climb, was located at 13 kilometres to the finish line

The fourth stage started from the city centre of Fidenza and for the first 50 kilometres there was a series of attacks, but the peloton did not give much opportunity for a break to get away. The attack that finally opened a gap contained Silvia Zanardi (Bepink Gold), Ilse Pluimera (AG Insurance Soudal) and Amalie Dideriksen (Uno X Pro Cycling Team), who managed to open an advantage of 1:30.

The race re-ignited during the climb of Passo Montevacà when Veronica Ewers attacked solo, gaining over one minute and becoming a virtual pink jersey. Annemiek Van Vleuten Movistar team quickly reacted. Van Vleuten increased the pace creating a void behind her, with only Elisa Longo Borghini managing to hold her wheel, and together they launched themselves downhill at full speed, joining Ewers. The three athletes gained a good margin over the group and battled in the final sprint.

Stage winner Elisa Longo Borghini: "I am so happy for this victory at Giro, winning with the tri-coloured jersey is always something special and, on top of that, it is my first time with the new Lidl Trek jersey. We didn't plan anything today, then I saw Annemiek Van Vleuten pulling ahead and I decided to follow her. Finally, in the sprint I gave everything I had."

Pink jersey Annemiek Van Vleuten: "Today I did not expect such a stage. I thought that the outcome would be decided in the final sprint, [but] instead I found myself defending the pink jersey. When Veronica Ewers gained ground my team got in front to defend, I sped up the pace uphill and attacked. I was interested in the stage victory, but above all to earn points against my closest opponents."

Top Canadian was Magdeleine Vallieres Mill (EF Education - Tibco - SVB) in 78th at 5:11 back.
Vallieres Mill is also top in the GC, 93rd at 17:01 back.

Results from the 4th stage in Italy

Stage 1 cancelled

Giro Donna: Stage 2

Wiebes beats Vos & Dygert for Stage 3 of Giro Donne