Giro Donne Starts Now!

“I arrive at this Giro with serenity and good feelings about my condition. Rather than start the race with a stated goal, I approach it with a great desire to have fun. The first thought is to go chasing stages together with my teammates. Playing a team game to try to be protagonists, as Trek-Segafredo, every day. Out of all the stages, the one finishing in Bergamo intrigues me a lot and I have already put it on my radar. To those who ask me about the overall standings, I say it is not on my mind.

“The Women’s Tour was a very good race in preparation for the Giro, especially in terms of awareness and peace of mind. I gathered the feedback I wanted, I am really in the best mindset to face the Giro. Then, I am part of a strong team, starting with Elisa Balsamo the one who now, I think without exaggeration, is the fastest rider in the peloton. She deserves maximum support and mine will not be lacking. In fact, it will be an honor and a pleasure.”

“I won’t hide the fact that, with only one day to go, I feel some healthy excitement and tension. It’s my first Giro and I think it’s part of the game to feel that way. I have never done such a long stage race, so my first thought is to gain confidence and experience. I am confident that I can do a good race, starting with the stages in Sardinia. They are very nice stages and suited to my characteristics.

“Also giving me confidence is the team that will race with me. We are strong, motivated and really eager to make an important mark. I can’t wait to start this challenge. For me, racing in “my” Italy with the rainbow jersey and the title of champion of Italy makes me extremely proud. There is also a stage, Sarnico to Bergamo, which starts right outside my home, where I live now. I expect a warm and large crowd. For this reason, too, my first Giro will be special.”