Tappa e maglia! Great start for Longo Borghini at Giro d’Italia

Elisa Longo Borghini wins the opening time trial in Brescia and claims the first Maglia Rosa of the 2024 edition of the race. Third place for Brodie Chapman

It was a long wait before Elisa Longo Borghini could let out a her tears of joy and celebrate taking the first stage victory at the 2024 Giro d’Italia and the first Maglia Rosa of the race.

“That’s an emotional moment” said the Italian rider immediately after the last athlete crossed the finish line.

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The Giro has always been the race of my heart. I just won a stage and tomorrow I’ll wear this beautiful jersey. I don't want to think about how long I will be able to keep it, maybe it will only be for a day, but I’ll enjoy every second. I've dreamed of the Maglia Rosa for so long. I dedicate this win to the Team, which supported me so well again today, and to my husband Jacopo, who always has the right words to say in my moments of maximum tension - Elisa Longo Borghini

Due to the adverse weather forecast, Elisa was among the first athletes to start, like all of the aspiring GC and stage winners did. She crossed the finish line after covering the 15.7km course in 20’37”, 25″ better than Kopecky (SD Worx) and giving a clear signal of just how good her performance was. A minute later another would-be winner, Brown (FDJ-Suez), who had equaled Elisa’s best time at the intermediate point, finished the race… just one second behind.

From there on, the long wait began. Sometimes it was stressful, but it ended in the sweetest way. For Elisa, it’s the third stage victory at Giro d’Italia of her career and the second time wearing the Maglia Rosa.

Last but not least, Brodie Chapman put the icing on the cake for Lidl-Trek with another superb performance to place third, 13″ behind Elisa and 12″ behind compatriot Brown.

Celebration! (©GettyImages)

Elisa’s reaction

“I am really proud of today’s result. I knew I was good, that I could do a good race and get a good result… In the end it was super good result. To hit a double target like the stage and the race lead is without doubt a special thing. I’m also happy to have given continuity to a season that has been really solid so far. It’s a great start to the Giro, the best I could hope for. As a team, we came with great ambitions and a very strong roster. We have clear ideas about our goals and today, with my success and Brodie’s podium finish, we proved it.

“I want to think it will be a good week. Tomorrow will be definitely a special day with the Maglia Rosa on my shoulders, but I expect every day to be a battle. It’s a very open race, especially in the last three days. They are beautiful, intriguing stages. To be leading the GC is a great joy and a great boost of confidence. We have a plan, as a team, and we will do our best to put it into action.”