Anime Van Vleuten could hardly miss the overall win at Jiro Don. The Dutch finished fourth in the final mountain stage on Saturday, starting the final stage with a wide margin.
Christine Faulkner won the stage from San Michele all’Adige to San Lorenzo Dorsino. This was the second stage win of this course for the American bikeExchange-Jayco rider. She had earlier won an opening time trial.
Marta Cavalli, ranked second in the general classification, finished the stage in second place. The Italian saw compatriot Elisa Longo Borghini and Van Vleuten pass the finish after fifteen seconds.
With fourth, Van Vleuten has limited the damage and has a large margin at the start of the final stage, which will be on a largely flat track on Sunday. The Movistar rider in front of Cavalli by less than two minutes.
Behind Van Vleuten, Anouska Koster is the best Dutch rider in the general classification. The Jumbo-Visma rider is 15th. Marianne Voss left the race on Thursday after winning two stages.
If Van Vleuten can finish the final stage and maintain her lead, she will win the Women’s Giro d’Italia for the third time. She previously won the prestigious women’s race in 2018 and 2019.
Annemiek van Vleuten is on her way to a new all-out victory at the Giro.
Annemiek van Vleuten is on her way to a new all-out victory at the Giro.
picture: Getty Images
