Today, the Giro d’Italia Women began in Brescia with a 15.8-kilometer individual time trial. The course allowed the top specialists to perform at a high level in the battle for the first maglia rosa.
Elena Hartmann finished 6th, just 28 seconds behind Elisa Longo Borghini, the winner and leader of this first stage. Therefore, Hartmann also holds the same position in the general classification.
Elena Hartmann: “In the morning I wasn’t very calm before my start as some things didn’t go according to plan. Luckily, I did find a way to handle it and as soon as I stood on the starting ramp, I only focused on the race. I had a good flow on the course and I’m very happy with my performance. Now it’s time for good recovery and of course I am very excited and motivated for the continuation of this Giro.”
Tomorrow, the sprinters will have their first opportunity for victory between Sirmione and Volta Mantovana in a 110-kilometer stage with only two fourth-category climbs.