Big ambitions to fight for each stage as well as the GC
With the Vuelta a España in the rear-view and the Tour de France Femmes on the horizon, now is the moment to turn our attention to Italy for the Giro d’Italia Donne, one of the most illustrated, challenging, and hard-fought events of the year.
The fight for Pink starts with a 4km time trial in Tuscany on Friday, June 30th, and will finish on July 9th in Sardinia. This year’s parcours is composed of nine stages characterized by mixed routes, that open up the competition to multiple scenarios. On paper, there are technical factors that could make each day unpredictable, as well as the outcome of the final classification.
Lidl-Trek, in its first outing, will be led by team directors Ina Teutenberg and Paolo Slongo. The two experienced directors have put together a team that is designed to succeed, with a solid, experienced core and two young riders on the launch pad. The goal is clear: fighting for stage victories and aiming for the best position in the final classification.
Can you help us?
We think they’re trying to tell us something … 🤓#GiroDonne pic.twitter.com/dNllgYYw3A— Lidl-Trek (@LidlTrek) June 29, 2023
In the hunt for stages the Team will have many cards to play, starting with the very versatile Elisa Longo Borghini. Fresh from winning the Italian National Championships (for the 4th time), Longo Borghini will try to take advantage of all the possibilities that the road will offer. Shirin Van Anrooij is certainly a talent primed to take flight, as we saw at Trofeo Binda in March. The same goes to Gaia Realini, a strong climber with great determination and the rider who has surprised the most this season.Lizzie Deignan returned at the end of April from maternity leave and, race after race, has shown her growing condition. With her class and ability, she can rightfully mark a few stages, but equally important will be her role as road captain. Lauretta Hanson, Elynor Backstedt and Lisa Klein will have the main task to support the team goals and ambitions, but they also have the ability to play a role if they find the right breakaway.
When it comes to the GC, there are many scenarios on the table because the Giro will be tough, as usual, but it is open to many scenarios and the victor may not simply be the strongest climber. Team strategies will be crucial and the Team intention is to allow Van Anrooij to measure herself against the best on the road, after winning the white jersey at the 2022 Tour de France Femmes. The same goes for Realini, in fact. For Longo Borghini, her ambitions will become clear as the race develops. Teamwork will be essential, whether it’s for Elisa, Shirin or Gaia.
She’s just won the 🇮🇹 tricolore jersey and now you can watch @ElisaLongoB’s preparation for the Championships plus the Giro & the Tour alongside her teammates in the Dolomites.
Watch All Access: At Altitude 👇https://t.co/y1CS00ztPU
— Lidl-Trek (@TrekSegafredo) June 25, 2023
