CANELLI – It didn't take much for Annemiek Van Vleuten for say goodbye to the company and travel quickly towards the finish line of the sixth stage of the Giro DonneA stage that in the morning, in the bus paddock, they predicted would be equally suitable for a sprinter or a breakaway. But no, the pink jersey takes over and goes away with 15 kilometers to go. And for her it is the fifteenth victory in the Giro Donne.
On the Calosso GPM, the penultimate of the day, the Dutchman from Movistar didn't even start. He immediately imposed a pace that was unsustainable for the others, who have started to think about second place. Second place went to Wiebes (in front of Lippert) which confirms a great growth on the rolling stages and with arrivals on sharp climbs of a kilometer like the one in Canelli. The European champion of SD Worx, who will not leave tomorrow to prepare for the Tour Femmes, will be the opponent to beat at the World Championships in Glasgow and coach Sangalli continues to take notes. In the general classification, more than 3 minutes behind Van Vleuten, Ewers's one-position drop as a result of Niedermaier's dramatic fall (severe facial trauma and withdrawal) while third hour goes to Labous from Team DSM-Firmenich.
Soraya in front
The hills of the vineyards surrounding Canelli are valid testing grounds for understanding one's own conditionFrom the Asti plain, the road winds its way up steeply and tortuously. You can try it either uphill or downhill. The finish line located next to the “Civico 15” restaurant does not lieTo get there, you need to have the right legs. And Mrs. Giusy sees the best of women's cycling parade in front of her club. Among these there is Soraya Paladin, fourth and author of a good performance.
«It was a rather unlucky stage for us – Paladin said after recovering from the effort – we left with Antonia (Niedermaier, ed.) who was second in the standings and wearing the white jersey, but unfortunately she fellI'm not sure what happened. We heard it on the radio and they told us she wouldn't be coming back. I only know she's in the hospital. We're really sorry because she was going really fast. Our idea was therefore to defend the general. Antonia deserved it.».
«After the fall – continues the Canyon Sram rider from Vicenza – the plans changed a bit and they gave me carte blancheOn the climb, Team DSM was setting a good pace for Labous, who actually attacked on the first GPM (Castino, ed.). There were only a few of us left, but nothing happened. Then Van Vleuten attacked on the Calosso climb. I tried to hold her off, but she was going too fast for me.I stayed in the group behind and hoped they wouldn't catch us because I knew I could compete with Lippert on a finish like today's. Instead, Wiebes came back. Chloe (Dygert, ed.) led me to the foot of the climb in a good position. The sprint started quite early and we fought flat out until the end. It's a shame about the fourth place because it makes the day even more bitter».
The Giro is not over
Van Vleuten also placed another brick in the road to winning her fourth Giro Donne in Canelli, but there are still three stages that should not be underestimated. Paladin analyses the Giro d'Italia for himself and his team in light of the upcoming events.The Tour and the World Championships are on the horizon, and the Treviso native from Cimadolmo wants to continue to be a key player.
«Obviously Van Vleuten – explains Soraya – doesn't want to take risks. At the Giro there is always something unexpected, whether it be due to falls or mechanical problems and other things.. Anything can always happen. Until the last day and until you cross the finish line in Olbia you can't say it's closedObviously, it's proving to be strong, but there are still many other teams that have the numbers and will certainly try. We wanted to do it today, but we were unlucky.
«We will focus on the stages – Paladin continues – there are still a few good opportunities for us at Canyon-Sram. The finish at Madonna della Guardia in Alassio is perhaps a little too tough for me, but the two fractions in Sardinia suit meThey say that tomorrow's is the hardest or at least the most feared. but the race is run by the ridersEven today in Canelli it seemed like a stage for sprinters or fast rouleurs. Instead, when they start to tackle any climb hard, they all suffer."
Tour and World Cup
«I will do the Tour Femmes – concludes Paladin with great lucidity – in support of Niewiadoma who will take care of the general. Here I am taking some references on Van Vleuten to bring back to the Tour even if it will be completely differentWe've done the reconnaissance. The stages are long and tough. It'll be hot. In the meantime, we're thinking about finishing the Giro Donne, then we'll think about France.
«I prepared well in Livigno. My condition is getting worseHere at the Giro Donne I'm feeling better every day. Il city Sangalli It leaves me calm, making me think about the stagesIt's right that I stay focused on the Giro now, then we'll talk about the World Championships later. There are many Italian women who are going strong. I really think that whoever deserves it will be called up».
