Van der Breggen Holds Giro Women Lead After Mountain Stage

Anna van der Breggen successfully defended the overall lead at the Giro d’Italia Women on Wednesday, finishing second on a demanding mountain stage through the Dolomites. The Dutch rider for Team SD Worx-Protime crossed the line just behind stage winner Demi Vollering of FDJ United-SUEZ, preserving her one-minute advantage in the general classification.

The 146-kilometer fifth stage from Longarone to Santo Stefano di Cadore served as the first major mountain test after Van der Breggen seized the race lead with a dominant victory in Tuesday’s uphill time trial. She finished that stage in 31 minutes and 38 seconds, putting one minute and four seconds into world time trial champion Marlen Reusser and one minute and ten seconds into Vollering.

On stage five, a large breakaway of 22 riders formed early, with most teams represented. Van der Breggen’s teammate Valentina Cavallar was part of the move and later provided crucial support after the break was caught, helping to shut down attacks in the valley between the two ascents of the Costa climb. In the finale, a select group of four riders emerged, with Vollering taking the sprint victory. Antonia Niedermaier finished third and...