Before the start of the stage, Team Visma | Lease a Bike was dealt a setback, as Margaux Vigié was forced to abandon the Giro d’Italia Women due to illness and did not take the start of Stage 7.

In the race itself, a breakaway of five riders formed early on. The peloton allowed the group to gain significant time, with the advantage eventually growing to eight minutes. For a long time, the race remained calm, with the battle for the stage win seemingly playing out at the front.

The final part of the stage became hectic in the peloton, as team manager Rutger Tijssen explained afterwards. “It was a hectic and exciting day. We knew the course could bring surprises, with lots of corners, short climbs, and descents. Fortunately, we managed to avoid a big crash as a team.”

“Today a sprint wasn’t an option for Nienke; the pace in the peloton was simply too high, and in the end the peloton decides whether a sprint happens or not. Femke was well protected and supported by the team. It was an ideal day for a GC rider: no time lost and no trouble at all. On to the Finestre, because tomorrow will be decisive.”

For Team Visma | Lease a Bike, the stage passed without further issues. The team made it safely through the day and can now fully turn its attention to the demanding task ahead.

Tomorrow features a short but very tough stage of just over 105 kilometers. With two solid climbs and a summit finish, the general classification riders will once again have a chance to create differences in the fight for the pink jersey.