Preview: 2024 Giro d’Italia Women
The 2024 Giro d’Italia Women kicked off in spectacular fashion with a 14.6 km individual time trial in Brescia, situated near the picturesque Lago di Garda. This year’s edition, organized for the first time by RCS Sport, promised a fresh and exciting approach to one of the premier events in women’s cycling.
Early Starters Set the Pace
The honor of being the first to roll down the start ramp fell to Carmela Cipriana of BePink. This was a significant moment for her and her team, setting a benchmark for the rest of the field. Among the early starters, Belgian champion Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx stood out. Known for her prowess in various racing formats, Kopecky blazed through the course, setting a blistering time of 21:02, which was four seconds faster than the then-leading time of Juliette Labous from Team DSM-Firmenich.
The Italian Charge
However, it was the Italian riders who truly stole the show. Elisa Longo Borghini, the national champion riding for Lidl-Trek, demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the best in the world. From the outset, Longo Borghini was in a league of her own, setting the fastest split time at the intermediate checkpoint. Her focus and determination were palpable as she tackled the technical course, which left no room for errors. She powered through the final kilometer with sheer determination, crossing the finish line in 20:37 – a staggering 25 seconds faster than Kopecky, firmly placing her in the hot seat.
Grace Brown’s Near Miss
Australian champion Grace Brown of FDJ-Suez was the next significant challenger. Brown matched Longo Borghini’s time at the intermediate split, showcasing her exceptional form and time trialling capabilities. As she neared the finish, it became a nail-biting countdown. Despite her relentless pace and determination to don the maglia rosa, Brown fell heartbreakingly short by just one second, finishing with a time of 20:38.
Strong Showings from Key Contenders
Another standout performance came from Brodie Chapman, also of Lidl-Trek. Chapman, a renowned time trial specialist, delivered a powerful ride, clocking in at 20:50, securing her a respectable third place and demonstrating the strength and depth of the Lidl-Trek team.
Lieke Nooijen of Team Jumbo-Visma also put in a commendable effort. The Dutch rider, known for her consistency and strong finishes, completed the course in 21:00, placing her fourth overall. This result underlined her potential as a key contender in the general classification as the race progresses.
A Triumph for Longo Borghini
With her victory, Elisa Longo Borghini not only claimed the stage win but also took the first maglia rosa of the Giro d’Italia Women 2024. Her performance was a masterclass in time trialling, reflecting her current top form and setting a high bar for her competitors. This win marks a significant milestone for Longo Borghini, adding to her already impressive palmarès and providing her with a strong platform for the rest of the race.
Stage 1 Results
1. **Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek)** – 20:37
2. **Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez)** – 20:38
3. **Brodie Chapman (Lidl-Trek)** – 20:50
4. **Lieke Nooijen (Team Jumbo-Visma)** – 21:00
5. **Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx)** – 21:02
Looking Ahead
The race now moves on to Stage 2, a 102 km flat stage from Sirmione to Volta Mantovana, featuring a closing circuit expected to end in a sprint. This stage will be crucial for sprinters looking to make their mark before the race heads into more challenging terrain in the following stages.
The third stage, from Sabbioneta to Toano, introduces the first significant climbs, which will test the GC contenders and could result in substantial shifts in the overall standings. This stage, finishing on an uphill climb, is expected to be a battleground for those eyeing the maglia rosa.
As the Giro d’Italia Women continues, the riders will face a diverse array of stages, including flat sprints, rolling hills, and punishing mountain climbs. The queen stage to Blockhaus on the penultimate day will likely be the decisive moment in the fight for the overall victory.
With a promising start, the 2024 Giro d’Italia Women is set to deliver thrilling competition, showcasing the talent and tenacity of the world’s best female cyclists.