Liane Lippert secured a remarkable victory in the sixth stage of the Giro d’Italia Women. The German rider, who has battled injuries throughout the season, emerged victorious from a breakaway group, defeating Ruth Edwards and Erica Magnaldi in a thrilling sprint finish.
The longest stage of this year’s Giro, spanning 159 kilometres from San Benedetto del Tronto to Chieti, proved to be a gruelling test. The course featured three categorised climbs, creating a day tailored for puncheurs and climbers.
A cagey peloton characterised the early part of the race, with no significant breakaway forming until a crash involving Elise Chabbey sparked a split with 40 kilometres remaining. This crash allowed Liane Lippert, Ruth Edwards, Erica Magnaldi, and Ane Santesteban to establish a lead over the main group. The quartet worked cohesively, building a lead of over two minutes as they approached the final climb.
On the steep ascent into Chieti, Santesteban was the first to lose contact, leaving Lippert, Edwards, and Magnaldi to contest the finish. Lippert launched a powerful sprint, managing to hold off Edwards to take her first win of the season. “I can’t believe I won today. This victory means a lot to me after a difficult start to the season,” Lippert said. “I dedicate this win to everyone who believed in me, especially my team and family.”
Photo Credit: La PresseEdwards, who finished second, reflected on the stage. “I ended up being second, which is really good. We aimed for a big result on a stage, and it feels great to deliver for the team,” she said. The American rider was instrumental in the breakaway, taking advantage of the chaos caused by Chabbey’s crash to form the group that would eventually fight for the win.
Magnaldi secured third place, marking her first podium in the Giro d’Italia Women. “I was definitely hoping for victory, but this podium place means a lot to me. It’s a beautiful and important result for my team,” she remarked. Magnaldi’s efforts on the final climb were pivotal in maintaining the breakaway’s lead.
Back in the peloton, Lotte Kopecky attempted a late attack to unsettle Elisa Longo Borghini and challenge for the maglia rosa. However, the Italian rider responded effectively, ensuring she retained the overall lead. Both riders finished together in the main group, with Longo Borghini expressing satisfaction with her performance. “I’m happy to have won the sprint for fourth place, even though it doesn’t change much for the general classification,” she stated. “Tomorrow’s stage with the Blockhaus climb will be very selective.”
As the riders prepare for the formidable Blockhaus stage, featuring a double ascent of the Blockhaus, the competition remains finely poised. Longo Borghini and Kopecky are separated by a mere three seconds, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
2024 Giro d’Italia Women Stage 6 result
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All photo credits: La Presse
