British riders to follow in the 2024 Giro d’Italia Women

Lizzie Deignan

The 2024 Giro d’Italia Women, starting on 7th July and running until the 14th, promises an intense competition as top cyclists gather for the second Grand Tour of the year. With an exciting mix of stages and a wide-open field, this year’s race is set to deliver thrilling action.

Recap of 2023

The 2023 Giro Donne began with significant challenges, as the prologue was cancelled due to heavy rain and unsafe conditions. Despite this rocky start, the race quickly gained momentum with Annemiek van Vleuten asserting her dominance. She won the first road stage from Bagno a Ripoli to Marradi and held onto the leader’s jersey for the remainder of the race, showcasing her incredible form and strategic prowess. This victory marked van Vleuten’s fourth overall win at the Giro Donne, a testament to her consistency and strength in stage racing.

Van Vleuten’s campaign included three stage wins: the second stage, a hilly 109.1 km ride, the seventh stage from Albenga to Alassio, and the sixth stage, a 102.4 km loop around Canelli. Her control over the race was clear as she finished almost four minutes ahead of her closest competitor, Juliette Labous. Labous, riding for Team DSM, delivered a strong performance to secure second place overall, demonstrating her climbing abilities and consistency across the stages.

Gaia Realini, a rising star from Trek-Segafredo, rounded out the podium. Realini’s performance was particularly notable in the mountain stages, where her climbing skills shone brightly. She also led the youth classification for several stages, highlighting her potential as a future GC contender.

Italian riders also made a significant impact. Elisa Longo Borghini claimed victory in the fourth stage from Fidenza to Borgo Val di Taro, demonstrating her versatility and tactical intelligence. Chiara Consonni secured a win in the final stage from Sassari to Olbia, capping off a strong showing for the home nation.

Other notable stage winners included Lorena Wiebes, who took the sprint in the third stage from Formigine to Modena, and Antonia Niedermaier, who won the fifth stage after a daring solo breakaway. Blanka Vas also impressed with a win in the eighth stage from Nuoro to Sassari, showcasing her ability to handle challenging terrain.

2023 Final Standings

  1. Annemiek van Vleuten (NED) – 24h26’25”
  2. Juliette Labous (FRA) +3’56”
  3. Gaia Realini (ITA) +4’23”
  4. Veronica Ewers (USA) +5’34”
  5. Erica Magnaldi (ITA) same time
  6. Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (DEN) +6’16”
  7. Mavi Garcia (ESP) +6’25”
  8. Silvia Persico (ITA) +6’59”
  9. Niamh Fisher-Black (NZL) +7’28”
  10. Ane Santesteban (ESP) +9’12”

Key Stages in 2024

he 2024 Giro d’Italia Women promises to be an exciting and challenging race, featuring a diverse and testing route. Managed by RCS Sport, this year’s edition spans eight days and covers a variety of terrains from north to south Italy. The race kicks off with a 14.6 km time trial in Brescia, setting the stage for a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous stages that will test the riders’ versatility and endurance.

The opening time trial in Brescia is followed by a 102 km stage from Sirmione to Volta Mantovana, which is expected to favour the sprinters. The race then heads into more challenging terrain with a 111 km stage from Sabbioneta to Toano, featuring a significant climb that will begin to shape the general classification. Stages 4 and 5, running from Imola to Urbino and Frontone to Foligno respectively, present opportunities for breakaways but will still demand tactical precision from the teams.

As the race progresses, stage 6 from San Benedetto del Tronto to Chieti brings a series of climbs and descents, preparing the riders for the decisive mountain stages. The penultimate stage includes a demanding climb to Blockhaus, a stage known as the Queen Stage, and will be crucial in determining the overall winner. The final stage, from Pescara to L’Aquila, ensures a tough conclusion with its early climbs, making it a true test for the contenders

2024 Giro d’Italia Women Stages

The 2024 Giro d’Italia Women promises a thrilling mix of terrain, from time trials to challenging climbs. With eight stages packed into a week of intense racing, each day will present unique opportunities and challenges for the riders. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages that will shape the race:

  • Stage 1: The race kicks off with a 15.7 km time trial in Brescia.
  • Stage 2: Suited for sprinters, this 105 km stage runs from Sirmione to Volta Mantovana.
  • Stage 3: A challenging 113 km ride from Sabbioneta to Toano, featuring a significant climb.
  • Stage 4 & 5: These stages are expected to favour breakaways, but teams with strong sprinters might control the peloton.
  • Stage 6: A hilly stage leading up to two decisive mountain stages.
  • Stages 7 & 8: The final two stages, including the summit finish on Blockhaus, will likely determine the overall winner.

A full analysis of the route can be found here.

British Riders to Watch

This year’s Giro sees a strong contingent of British riders, each with the potential to leave their mark on the race.

Lizzie Deignan

Returning after a break, Lizzie Deignan brings her wealth of experience and tactical nous to the fore. A former World Champion and 2014 Commonwealth Games road race champion, Deignan is known for her strong finishes and ability to read the race. She has a history of excelling in one-day classics, with victories in the Tour of Flanders, Liรจge-Bastogne-Liรจge, and the first-ever Paris-Roubaix Femmes. Her versatility and resilience make her a key rider to watch, especially in the more challenging stages.

Josie Nelson
Josie Nelson

Josie Nelson

Josie Nelson is a promising talent in British cycling, known for her potential in sprints and punchy finishes. She has already made a mark in various races and is seen as a significant contender in the flatter stages of the Giro. Nelsonโ€™s sprinting prowess and developing race craft make her a rider to watch for stage wins.

Alice Towers
Alice Towers

Alice Towers

Alice Towers continues to build her reputation in the peloton with a focus on her climbing ability. This skill will be crucial in the mountain stages of the Giro, where she might support her team leaders or seize opportunities for breakaways. Towersโ€™ growth and increasing confidence in hilly terrain position her as a rider to keep an eye on in the high-altitude battles.

Lizzie Holden
Lizzie Holden

Elizabeth Holden

Known for her consistency and determination, Elizabeth Holden aims to perform strongly across various stages. She has shown her capability in both individual and team efforts, potentially targeting the general classification or individual stage wins. Holdenโ€™s all-around skills and resilience make her a versatile threat throughout the Giro.

Becky Storrie
Becky Storrie

Becky Storrie

Becky Storrieโ€™s all-round abilities make her a versatile rider in this year’s Giro. She has demonstrated strength in both hilly and flat stages, making her an asset in various race scenarios. Storrie will be looking to capitalize on her versatility to make a significant impact on the race.

Millie Couzens
Millie Couzens

Millie Couzens

Millie Couzens brings a mix of youth and enthusiasm to the team. She is focused on gaining more experience at this level and has shown promise in her previous races. Couzens will be an exciting rider to watch as she continues to develop and seek opportunities to showcase her talent.

. 2024 Itzulia Women. Stage 1: Vitoria-Gasteiz - Elgoibar. 10.5.2024. Claire Steels
Claire Steels

Claire Steels

Claire Steels, another rider aiming to gain more experience, is poised to take on various roles in support of her team while seizing any opportunities that come her way. Steelsโ€™ adaptability and readiness to learn at this level will be crucial for her development and contributions to her team’s strategy.

Joss Lowden
Joss Lowden

Joscelin Lowden

Joscelin Lowden’s time-trialling prowess could see her shine in the opening stage of the Giro. Her experience and strength against the clock have earned her recognition, and she will be looking to leverage these skills to make a strong start in the race against time.