Roasting hot, with rain^[1] holding off until just after the finish.

Rolling hills and olive groves within sight of Lake Garda.

A circuit always produces speedy racing^[5], and today was no exception.

From Como one day to Garda^[2] the next, this stage completed the scenic, lakeside double-header at the heart of the Giro Donne. After a super-long^[3] parcours yesterday, stage 7 was short and punchy with a single GPM on the 17km circuit^[3] and a total distance of 107km. Clara was able to hang tough in the heavily reduced peloton, giving up 40 seconds over the line to winner Marianne Vos. The team had hoped for a breakaway today, but riders were only getting away in ones or twos. We're delighted to say Poido is coming through her injuries from the crash^[4] on stage 5 and was the team's second rider across the line.

  An early break goes with two riders, only for it to be brought back and Lucinda Brand (Trek Segafredo) to go solo.

  Splits begin to appear on the third circuit, with several riders abandoning the race.

  On the final lap, the pace goes up and the top racers form a leading group.

  Clara hangs tough, losing contact with the leaders only on the final uphill, ceding around 40 seconds^[8].