After a super hard queen stage, the gap between Longo Borghini and Kopecky is down to only one second. The Giro d'Italia Women will be decided tomorrow on the final stage
The prediction of tight 2024 edition of the race was made many months ago. But, a head-to-head challenge, with a gap of just one second between the Maglia Rosa and the direct pursuer, would perhaps have been too hard to imagine.
The situation after the queen stage, with the grueling double climb of Blockhaus, set up a thrilling finale, a sign of the strength of the two main protagonists, Elisa Longo Borghini and Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx), first and second in the GC. On the final climb to the finish line, after Elisa’s teammates did a great job setting the pace, the duo were locked in a head-to-head battle behind the eventual winner Bradbury, Canyon-SRAM, with the Italian champion attacking and the world champion (successfully) resisting.
Looks like it’s destiny that both me and Kopecky still have to battle for seconds, head-to-head. I think we both did a great job today and I really can’t have regrets about my performance. I did my best to try to drop her, I attacked several times. She looked to be struggling, but in the end, she never lost my wheel and managed well in the sprint, exploiting the fact that she is faster than me - Elisa
The challenge ended with Kopecky second and Longo Borghini third on the finish line. In the game of time bonuses, the result gave an advantage of two seconds (6″ vs. 4″) in the GC and created the conditions for an incredible finale.
One second is a small gap, but it’s still an advantage. There’s not much to add for today. For sure, I’m going to defend this Maglia Rosa even after the finish line, if this will be necessary.
We have experienced sport directors in Ina and Jeroen, they I’ll have a plan and we’ll try to put it into action the best we can. I know I have a strong team around me. They’ve worked hard every day. This Maglia Rosa is a goal for the entire team - Elisa
Champagne time!
