This was the toughest day yet in the Giro d’Italia Donne for more reasons than one. The team’s top-placed rider Clara was forced to withdraw from the race as a result of a crash, effectively sweeping the legs from under us. Our three remaining riders Katie, Heidi and Poido fought on for the finish, with Poido able to make it into the early selection of around 30 riders. From there, she was able to finish in the top 30 on this, the queen stage of 2021 edition^[4]. The team is gutted to lose Clara, particularly on a stage that suited her strengths so well. We wish her a swift recovery and will update here when we have more news of her condition.

 The race leaves Feletto Umberto and attacks are immediate^[2].

 Clara crashes and is forced to abandon.