2 years ago by Tom Owen

Koppenburg abandons Giro Donne 🇮🇹

GIRO D'ITALIA DONNE
Stage 9 
Feletto Umberto – Monte Matajur
ROSTER
 WEATHER
Another hot one with a tailwind making the final climb particularly fast.[1] 
  TERRAIN
The stunning peaks of the Alps that form the border with Slovenia.[2]
 COURSE 
Two big loops then a rocket-speed blast up Monte Matajur at big gradients.
THE STAGE
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.
  QUOTE OF THE DAY  
"Clara made the front group and I was in a chase group behind. It was very sad to see she crashed. She told me not to wait, so I knew it was bad."
– POIDO'S PLAY-BY-PLAY
DECISIVE MOMENTS
 The race leaves Feletto Umberto and attacks are immediate[2].
 Clara crashes and is forced to abandon.
 Poido makes it into a strong selection of around 40 riders.
 Moolman-Pasio breaks free, powering onto the win.
 Poido digs deep on the finish climb, crosses the line our top finisher.
NOTABLE RESULTS
Poido crosses the line 43rd after a very hard fnishing climb.
Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio (SD Worx) wins the stage solo.
LAY OF THE LAND
The Giro is coming to an end. Tomorrow offers one last chance, with a start and finish in the town of Cormons, north-east of Venice. For complete stage details including how to follow the race and where to watch, visit our preview. We wish Clara, Gute Besserung.