2 years ago by Tom Owen

Sprint stage in Donne proves chaotic 🇮🇹

Doebel-Hickok forced to withdraw following crash, Koppenburg maintains GC
GIRO D'ITALIA DONNE
Stage 5 
Milano – Carugate
ROSTER
 WEATHER
Temperatures touched 90°F today in the flatlands north of Milan.[1]
  TERRAIN
Flat as a panini that's been run over by the SD Worx team bus.
 COURSE 
Technically challenging and raced at breakneck speed.
THE STAGE
The days that should be simple[2], so rarely turn out to be. The team lost Krista to a crash at the midpoint of the stage, with Poido also hitting the deck and facing a tough fight to regain contact[3]. What Heidi described as "The longest four hours of my life," began with a chaotic neutral through central Milan, while the race's first bunch sprint finale proved extremely tough.
  QUOTE OF THE DAY  
"I'm fine, does anyone need bottles?"
– POIDO, AFTER A CRASH & 15KM CHASE BACK
DECISIVE MOMENTS
  The team navigates Milano traffic, with help from some local experts.[4]
  Krista and Poido involved in large crash at midway point. Krista forced to withdraw and undergo x-rays.
  Poido chases back to the caravan, only to need a bike change and do another chase back.
  Clara crosses in the main bunch. Katie and Heidi follow soon after. Poido is last woman home.
NOTABLE RESULTS
Clara Koppenburg crosses the line 54th, GC position unchanged.
The stage is won by Lorena Wiebes (Team DSM).
LAY OF THE LAND
Tomorrow's course is a lap of stunning Lake Como. Sprinter's teams will look to control the day. For complete stage details including how to follow the race and where to watch, visit our preview. Best wishes to Krista and her recovery from injury. Updates will be posted here.