Clear skies and sunshine. A sweet following wind coming up the valley.

The ultimate alpine ascent. How many TTs go over a 500ft waterfall?

Flat for 4.4km^[1], then up, up, up. It felt like "ripping your lungs out".

Today's course took us high into the Formazza valley, settled by German-speakers in the 13th Century – and where Walser German^[2] is still spoken by many . The race of truth gives you nowhere to hide, but our women dug deep and powered through a very difficult course. Our early best time was set by Poido who crossed in 30'35", before Krista came through the line in a hot 28'58"^[3]. Clara started last of our six riders, bringing it home in 29'07". When the results were posted, we discovered Holly was outside the time limit by 16 seconds, and would not be allowed to start the following stage – a reminder of how cruel our sport can be.

  Katie and Holly go in the first wave of starters, getting a feel for the course and relaying intel back to the later starters. ^[2]

  Heidi goes 30'42", with Poido in 30'35".

  Our GC specialists Krista and Clara cross in 28'58" and 29'07" respectively.

  Maglia rosa Anna van der Breggen wins the stage with a time of 25'08"