News

After years of organizational problems that even led to its relegation to the ProSeries, the Giro d’Italia Donne has a new name this year: Giro d’Italia Women. For this edition (and for the next three years at least), the organization will be handled by RCS, responsible for the men's Giro d’Italia, so it is expected to take a step forward in professionalism and promotion. The race, which will last eight days, is likely to be quite overshadowed by the Tour de France, as it takes place during the second week of the French grand tour.

Route

The race consists of 8 stages, starting with a 14.7 km time trial that will create the first differences among the GC contenders. The second day offers one of the best opportunities for sprinters, along with stage 5. The third stage presents a flat profile throughout the day, but the finish in Toano (9.9 km at 5.2%) invites strong women to try to attack. The fourth day also starts as a flat day, but the finish includes three categorized climbs and seems ideal for puncheurs. As mentioned, the fifth day is again an opportunity for sprinters, although not as clear as the second day, while the sixth stage presents a sawtooth profile with a new uphill finish in Chieti (4.8 km at 5.5%). The penultimate day brings the queen stage of this Giro d’Italia Women, including the ascents of Passo Lanciano (12.4 km at 8.3%) and Blockhaus (17.7 km at 7.8%), where the finish line is located. This stage will be decisive for the general classification, as will the last one, which is also a mountain stage, although not as demanding as the previous day’s.

Favorites

Four days before the start, many teams have not yet confirmed their lineups, but many high-level riders are already on the starting list. For now, the world champion Lotte Kopecky (1200) seems to be the main favorite for the general classification along with the Lidl-Trek duo of Elisa Longo Borghini (1200) and Gaia Realini (800). French Juliette Labous (1000), Spanish Mavi García (800) and Ane Santesteban (600), German Liane Lippert (1000), Italian Silvia Persico (800), and Slovenian Urška Žigart (200) are also strong candidates.

For the sprints, besides Kopecky herself, Chiara Consonni (800), Maria Giulia Confalonieri (400), Arlenis Sierra (600), and Franziska Koch (200) are good sprinters, although as mentioned, attention should be paid to the starting list as many riders have yet to be registered.

Photo: © Giro d’Italia Women / RCS Sport