During the stage, which included only one climb, several groups tried to escape. The sprinters' teams were in control, and Team Jumbo-Visma put Vos in a good position. The Dutch rider was on the wheel of her compatriot after her teammates had dropped her off in the final. In the hectic but flat last kilometre, Vos tried to make things difficult for the European champion but was unable to overtake her.

"We wanted to go for the win because we were pretty sure this stage would end in a sprint”, Vos said. "I was on the right wheel, and my teammates dropped me off in a perfect position. We had to do that because it was a hectic and twisty finish. Lorena is the fastest of the bunch; I didn't have the acceleration to keep her from winning.”

The experienced rider was looking forward to the upcoming stages of the Italian stage race. "We're here to get a stage win. I haven't marked any special stages, and neither has the team. We take it day by day. Experience teaches us that. In any case, there are plenty of opportunities for our team.”

The Giro d'Italia Donne continues with a mountain stage on Monday.