On the women’s side, overall leader Greete Steinburg claimed her first stage win of the race. The Barbieri PNK Pink Jersey triumphed in comeback fashion over Lola Bakker. The Dutch rider had pushed hard early to put pressure on her rival, but the Estonian responded with an unstoppable surge, clawing back time kilometre after kilometre.
On the descent into Riolunato, Steinburg kept things under control without taking risks – indeed managing to extend her margin even further. She finished in 2:50:56, with Bakker at 1:39. Mara Parisi was a consistent third at 3:06, a rejuvenated Syd Schulz fourth at 9:02, and Luiza De Souza fifth at 13:22.
“A beautiful stage – fortunately with plenty of descending,” said the Estonian at the finish. “The heat wasn’t excessive, which worked in my favour. We’re past the halfway point and I’m in control: I couldn’t ask for more. I tried not to repeat yesterday’s mistake, when I descended too cautiously in the finale.”
Steinburg extends her overall lead, bringing her advantage over Bakker to 3:22. Mara Parisi remains 7:45 back and still very much in the race. Schulz and De Souza are further adrift.
