2 years ago by Tom Owen

Furious Donne circuit on shores of Lake Garda 🇮🇹

Circuit madness. Crushing kms on the edge of Lake Garda.
GIRO D'ITALIA DONNE
Stage 7 
Soprazocco di Gavardo – Puegnago del Garda
ROSTER
 WEATHER
Roasting hot, with rain[1] holding off until just after the finish.
  TERRAIN
Rolling hills and olive groves within sight of Lake Garda.
 COURSE 
A circuit always produces speedy racing[5], and today was no exception.
THE STAGE
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.
  QUOTE OF THE DAY  
"Definitely some dark moments thinking I wasn’t going to make it back, lap after lap, but I chased with all I had."
– KATIE, ON GIVING EVERYTHING
DECISIVE MOMENTS
  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].

NOTABLE RESULTS
Clara Koppenburg crosses the line 37th, 22nd on GC.
The stage is won by Marianne Vos (Jumbo Visma), taking her to 30 career wins at the Giro Donne.
LAY OF THE LAND
This next stage couldn't be flatter, and we predict it will be raced fast again. For complete stage details including how to follow the race and where to watch, visit our preview.