The 2020 season of Astana Women’s Team continues on Tuesday 18 August with the seventh edition of the Giro dell’Emilia Internazionale Donne Élite, a race that, although still young, has been able to attract the eyes of many of the best climbers of the women’s cycling peloton thanks to the arrival positioned at the top of the legendary climb of San Luca. This year’s route does not differ in terms of characteristics from that of past editions: in total the riders will have to pedal for 87.2 kilometers, the first 85 will be all on the flat or in any case with slight and not relevant differences in altitude, while the real race will light up as always on the final ascent. The San Luca measures 2200 meters with an average gradient of nearly 10% and a peak of 16%: you need an excellent physical condition to shine on such a climb.
This edition of the Giro dell’Emilia marks the return to competitions in Europe of the Cuban Arlenis Sierra who had been forced to skip the Strade Bianche due to restrictions on international flights: in the past Sierra has shown that she can achieve excellent results in this race, as can well testify the second place conquered in the Giro dell’Emilia 2018. Two other riders who can do very well are the Colombian climber Liliana Moreno and the Italia Katia Ragusa, the latter author of a good performance at the Strade Bianche, while Francesca Pattaro will be fundamental in supporting her teammates in the first part of the race. It should be noted that among the ranks of the Astana Women’s Team there will also be the absolute debut of the 18-year-old French trainee Jade Teolis who will therefore have the opportunity to start gaining experience in high-level competitions.