Marlen Reusser Wins Opening Time Trial at Giro d’Italia Women
Swiss cyclist Marlen Reusser (Movistar) secured victory in the opening time trial of the Giro d’Italia Women in Bergamo, completing the 14.2 km course in 17:22, 12 seconds ahead of European and Belgian champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime). Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) finished third with a time of 17:38., reports 24brussels.
Britain’s Anna Henderson initially set a strong pace, breaking the 18-minute mark with a time of 17:49, only to be surpassed by Dutch rider Lieke Nooijen who posted 17:46, and then by Anna van der Breggen who finished with 17:42.
Marianne Vos, a three-time Giro champion, recorded a time of 18:20, while Shirin van Anrooij clocked 18:03. Australian champion Brodie Chapman encountered difficulties early in her ride due to a bike change one minute in.
At the 8.75 km intermediate check, Reusser led the pack with a time of 10:48. Kopecky, trailing four seconds behind, was unable to close the gap and finished 12 seconds back. Longo Borghini, the last rider to hit the course, lost 16 seconds to Reusser.
The second stage on Monday will cover 92 kilometres from Clusone to Aprica, concluding with an uphill finish.
