Full gas, no brakes. All the way to the top.
GIRO D'ITALIA DONNE
Stage 4
Formazza Fondovalle – Formazza Riale
Formazza Fondovalle – Formazza Riale


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".
THE STAGE
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.


"I don't follow no YouTube tutorials."
– KATIE, ON GETTING AERO
DECISIVE MOMENTS





NOTABLE RESULTS
Krista Doebel-Hickok takes 36th place with 28'58".
Clara Koppenburg takes 37th with her time of 29'06".
Clara now sits 22nd overall, Krista 34th.
LAY OF THE LAND
Circuit race in Carugate which – on paper – promises to be the first non-GC day of the race. For complete stage details including how to follow the race and where to watch, visit our preview. Goodbye for now, Holly... we'll miss ya!