As expected, the women’s field proved tightly matched. Dutch rider Lola Bakker claimed Stage 1 in 4:20:43, edging out American Syd Schulz after a race-long battle.
The duo quickly took control of the race and, mirroring the men’s dynamic, stayed together until the second major climb toward Lago Scaffaiolo. There, Bakker’s steady acceleration finally dropped Schulz. However, the narrow final margin of just 2’49” shows how closely contested the race remains.
Linda Van Vlet (NED) took third at 26’55”, with Spain’s Almudena Rodriguez Lopez de Armentia and Regina Marunde rounding out the top five — both over an hour down on the leader. Bakker now wears the first Maglia Rosa Lavor of 2025, but the GC battle is far from settled.
“It was a really hard day because of the heat,” said Bakker. “The first climb pushed me to my limit, but the incredible ridge views gave me the energy to keep going. On the second climb, I was alone and just kept pushing. It’s my third time at Appenninica — I love being here, it’s amazing.”
