Van Dijk wins Cremona’s individual time trial, Mara Abbott takes 2013 Maglia Rosa
There was a double celebration in Cremona for the big finish of the 24th edition of the Giro Rosa. Dutch Ellen Van Dijk (Specialized Lululemon) finished first, ahead of American teammate Evelyn Stevens and Australian Shara Gillow (Orica Ais). «I was the favorite for this stage, but the end of a stage race is always unpredictable. I’m so happy that I achieved my goal» commented the time trial specialist Van Dijk, whose team won the 2012 Time Trial World Championship.
The 16,700 km circuit from Atleti Azzurri d’Italia Square to Stradivari Square didn’t change the General Classification led by Mara Abbott (USA National Team). The 27-year-old rider from Boulder, who won the Maglia Rosa in 2010, beated Italian time trial champion Tatiana Guderzo (MCipollini Ale Galassia), who had to be content with a second place, and overcame German Claudia Hausler (Tibco To The Top), 2009 Maglia Rosa, who finished third on the podium.
The Maglia Rosa and best climber of this 2013 Giro Rosa commented on her victory: «I can finally say I managed to do it! Thanks go to my team, the public and all those who believed in me. Now, I’ll have an ice-cream, pack my stuff and fly back home, where I’ll celebrate with my family and friends. I’ll be back to the Giro to try to be the best once again and to feel the warmth of the Italian fans».
Marianne Vos, 3-time stage winner and leader of the Points Classification, will meet Abbott and the other big contenders at the World Championships in Tuscany: «I am really satisfied with my Giro performance and I want to thank all the organizers of the most prestigious women’s international race, who managed to create an amazing edition. As always, I tried to do my best to honor this great event. See you again in September in Italy».
Tatiana Guderzo will also be at the World Championships in September. She finished second in the General Classification and won the blue jersey (best Italian rider): «Like every Giro rider I was dreaming of taking the Maglia Rosa, but I am really satisfied with my final result. I also want to thank my teammates and race director Rivolta for their hard work. It was really a great Giro!».
During her first official press conference, excited Francesca Cauz, the best young rider, explained: «I worked hard to win the white jersey. I really wanted to take it but now it seems incredible that it is mine. I see my future all in pink. I have to improve my time trial performance, but this year’s results make me confident for the future».
It was a superb event for the 127 cyclists who rode the 8 stages of the 2013 Women's International Race. Satisfied with the success of the event race director Giuseppe Rivolta said: «Thanks to all the riders, my staff, the sponsors, the policemen, the journalists and the photographers and TV. We will see you all again next year for the 25th edition, which will be commemorated and celebrated in style».
Stage Results:
1. Van Dijk Eleonora (Specialized Lululemon) 16,00 km in 21'12"31 average speed 47,832 km/h;
2. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) at 35"
3. Gillow Shara (Orica Ais) at 52"
4. Ferrand Prevot Pauline (Rabo Woman Cycling Team) at 57"
5. Villumsen Linda Melanie (Wiggle Honda) at 1'02"
6. Wiles Tayler (Specialized Lululemon) at 1'10"
7. Gunnewijk Loes (Orica Ais) at 1'11"
8. Van den Breggen Anna (Netherlands National Team) at 1'13"
9. Burchenkova Alexandra (Rusvelo) at 1'15"
10. Small Carmen (Specialized Lululemon) at 1'17"
General Ckassification:
1. Abbott Mara (USA National Team) in 20h30'15"
2. Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia) at 1'33"
3. Hausler Claudia (Tibco To The Top) at 2'18"
4. Gillow Shara (Orica Ais) at 3'29"
5. Stevens Evelyn (Specialized Lululemon) at 3'39"
Jersey:
PINK Derma Fresh, General Classification: Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)
CICLAMINO Selle Italia, Points Classification: Vos Marianne (Rabo Woman Cycling Team)
GREEN Saugella, KOM Classification: Abbott Mara (Nazionale Usa)
WHITE Algida, Young Classification: Cauz Francesca (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo)
BLUE Dama, Italian Classification: Guderzo Tatiana (MCipollini Ale Galassia)