Annemiek van Vleuten (Orica-Scott) out-sprinted Anna van der Breggen (Boels Dolmans) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle-High5) to the top step of the Giro Rosa stage 2 podium in Mantereale Valcellina on Saturday. The trio, all expected to contend for the Giro Rosa general classification, slipped away from a reduced peloton on the only categorised climb on stage two. With the best sprint amongst the three, Van Vleuten was the expected winner for the late race escape, and she delivered.
"Today was a really good test for my legs, so I am really happy to take the victory," Van Veuten said in a team report. "I didn't really know how my form was uphill as I haven't had the chance to test my legs uphill for almost four or five weeks. I know I have had really good preparation coming into this Giro Rosa, and I felt really strong on the climb, on the descent and also in the final 20 kilometres where we had to ride really hard."
Van der Breggen, second on the stage, moves into the race lead, assuming the race leader's maglia rosa from teammate Karol-Ann Canuel. Van Vleuten jumps up to second overall.
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An early breakaway slipped away in the opening 10 kilometres. Claudia Koster (Véloconcept) initiated the escape. Nicole Hanselmann (Cérvelo-Bigla) bridged the gap several kilometres later. The pair stayed away through the three intermediate sprints on offer – all of which were won by Koster.
The peloton picked up the chase as they headed from the flat plains toward the looming mountains, catching the leaders just before the foot of the category two climb that would split the peloton to pieces.
40 riders, including all the jerseys and overall contenders, broke clear on the narrow and steep slopes of the Giro Rosa's first mountain test. As the road continued to rise, attrition further thinned the field. Van Vleuten lifted the pace over the top of the QOM, picking up maximum points toward the climber's jersey, and created a split. Van der Breggen and Longo Borghini were the only two quick enough and strong enough to respond.
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