By Amber Pierce

Earlier this month, I raced the Giro Donne, ten days of racing over some of the most beautiful (and cruel) terrain in Italy. Many racers postulated that it was perhaps the hardest Giro to date. I wouldn’t know, because this was the first year I’ve raced it.

Upon arrival to our hotel at the race start in Rome, we all received a copy of the race bible, and naturally, one wants to flip through and peruse what is to come. As one does so, however, one realizes what a very bad idea that is. It’s overwhelming. The sheer weight and thickness of the race bible speaks to the volume of racing in store, and the spiky course profiles look even worse when you squint to make out the scale. Of course, we need to prepare ourselves mentally for what is to come, and to understand the over-arching race tactics that will guide our strategy as a team on the road each day. So how do we mentally handle a big tour like this? The answer is intentional temporary amnesia.

As we line up for the start of a stage, we forget about the following seven stages, the scary-looking climb on the next day’s profile, or how shattered we might have felt at the end of the previous stage. We have to focus on the race at hand and forget everything else. Crossing the finish line of one stage becomes the start of the next. That stage is behind you, for the time being forgotten; ahead is recovery and preparation for the next stage, and nothing beyond it.

As we get into the final few stages of the race, of course, we start counting down. Stage nine was the last road stage of the tour, with the last big mountain-top finish (the final stage was a 17km individual time trial). One hundred and forty kilometers of rolling terrain led us into the final climb of the day, and of the tour. My job in the role of domestique was the same as every other day in the tour: protect our General Classification (GC) riders and get them to the base of the climb safe, fresh, and in perfect position. In other words, my job was to stay with our leader in case of a mishap or crash, chasing her back to the peloton, protecting her from wind while in the main bunch, maneuvering around the peloton to keep her in good position, and going back to the team car for bottles and food to keep everyone well-fueled. It’s a lot of work, more than enough to ensure that I wouldn’t be finishing with the front group.

That day, as was the case with most of the other big climbing days, I worked with my other teammates to get our GC leader into ideal position as we rounded the bend where the final switchbacks came into view. We had chased her back from a crash early in the race and had subsequently spent a lot of time in the wind keeping her protected as we covered the ground leading to the final ascent. So, as we rounded the first switchback and our GC leader took off with the other climbers and GC contenders, we eased off the gas and began the climb together at a pace we like to call piano.

In a tour as long and difficult as this, teamwork is absolutely essential for success. In the same way that a GC rider must conserve energy to execute her job (e.g. gain time on a big climb), a domestique must also conserve her energy to best execute her job, which may not include the big climbs. When my teammates and I ease up and settle into the grupetto pace on a final climb, it isn’t because we don’t care about the race, or because we’re giving up; quite the opposite, we’ve expended an enormous amount of energy to do our jobs during the race until then, and at that point, our responsibility is not to race for an individual result, but rather to conserve energy, so we’ll have more to give the following day when we’re going back for bottles, or riding in the wind to protect our GC leaders.

On that last road stage, the grupetto rounded the first series of switchbacks that led into a tunnel, which constituted most of that final climb. Our small group made our way up the 10 and 15% pitches under the dim orange lights that illuminated the long Galleria. The sound and smell of the follow cars filled the cavernous concrete structure, as we pushed the pedals, drinking what we had left and sharing provisions if needed.

As each meter ticked by, it seemed that our orange shadows might never again see the light of day. Suddenly, one of the follow cars had the genius idea to crank up the stereo. The music echoed through the tunnel in funky surround-sound and instantly had us all grinning, adding a little more oomph to each pedal stroke. Our little parade of cyclists and cars and music rolled thru the long tunnel, eventually back into sunlight, where the fresh air and stunning mountains further re-energized us for the last kilometers.

We rounded a corner, and as the 3km to go banner came into view, we cheered, giddy with exhaustion and the satisfaction of knowing we were on the verge of completing one of the toughest races in the world. My teammates and I grinned at each other and put our hands around one another’s shoulders, a simple, meaningful gesture containing all the emotion and effort of nine days of racing together.

Fans crowded the streets as we rolled through the small mountain villages, adorned in pink ribbons, balloons, and banners, and swelling with crowds that must have tripled their populations. The cheers and cowbells propelled us those last kilometers, a crescendo building to the finish line.

Amber Pierce - An American expat living in Austria, Amber has made the leap across the Atlantic in pursuit of her dreams on the road. After making a name for herself as one of the top road cyclists in the US, she now faces new challenges in her life on the road in Europe.

Amber's path to full-time racing in Europe has been anything but linear. From high school valedictorian holding national swimming records, to scholarship athlete at Stanford University and researcher on the open ocean, she has found herself in countless adventures all over the globe. With 53 career victories under her belt, however, Amber appears to have found her calling on the bicycle.

Photos: © Amber Pierce

Despite being one of the older riders in the women's professional peloton, Ina Teutenberg (HTC-Highroad) proved she is still a force to be reckoned with as she took her second stage of the 22nd Giro Donne. The German outpaced Sweden's Emma Johansson (Hitec Products - UCK) and eventual champion, Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) to take the event's final stage, a 16 kilometer Individual Time Trial in San Francesco al Campo.

With her third placed finish on the day, Vos completed a truly remarkable and seemingly unparalleled ten-day stretch. The Dutch rider found herself on the top step of the podium on five separate occasions and was one day shy of wearing the maglia rosa, as the race leader, for the entire event. An accomplished rider on the track (2008 Olympic Gold Medalist in the Points Race; two-time World Champion) and in cyclocross (four-time World Champion), Vos' display of endurance, resilience and climbing ability during this year's Giro Donne elevates the 24-year old into the conversation of being one of all-time greats of women's cycling.

For the American contingent, defending Giro Donne champion, Mara Abbott (Diadora Pasta Zara) took the honors as the highest placed American, finishing in 10th overall, while the trio of HTC-Highroad's Evelyn Stevens (8th), teammate Amanda Miller (18th) and Diadora Pasta Zara's Amber Pierce (20th) would all place in the top twenty during the final stage.

Results - Stage 10
1. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
2. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK
3. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit

General Classification - Final
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
3. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
4. Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana
5. Tatiana Antoshina (Rus) Gauss
6. Ruth Corset (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
7. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK
8. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
9. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
10. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara

Other Notables
19. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
25. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
41. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
72. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
82. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women

Jersey Winners
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Elena Berlato (Ita) Top Girls Fassa Bortolo

Dutch rider claims her fifth stage of the 22nd Giro Donne

With the curtain set to close on yet another edition of the Giro Donne, Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) was still on stage tirelessly performing.

On the 114.8 kilometer Stage 9 from Aglie' to Ceresole Reale, the Dutch rider soloed to victory to place an exclamation on what would soon be her coronation as Giro Donne champion. The win was her fifth of the event.

Emma Pooley (Garmin - Cervelo) and Judith Arndt (HTC Highroad Women) crossed the line in second and third, respectively.

Results - Stage 9
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
3. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women

General Classification After Stage 9
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit 25:20:08
2. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo 0:02:48
3. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women 0:08:07
4. Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana 0:08:21
5. Ruth Corset (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango 0:11:48
6. Tatiana Antoshina (Rus) Gauss 0:12:01
7. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss 0:12:18
8. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara 0:13:47
9. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK 0:14:20
10. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango

Other Notables
21. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
26. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
45. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
75. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
76. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
82. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women

Jersey Leaders After Stage 9
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
>maglia bianca - Elena Berlato (Ita) Top Girls Fassa Bortolo

Next: Stage 10 - San Francesco al Campo (ITT) 16km

Garmin-Cervelo's Emma Pooley would lay claim to the Stage 8 victory, but the British climber was unable to shake free of race leader Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) over the 70 kilometer course, which finished atop the Valdidentro.

Ruth Corset (Bizkaia-Durango) proved to be the best of the rest coming in at 1:29 behind the leading pair.

With the second placed finish, Vos solidified her overall race lead, which now sits at 2:32 over Pooley.

Results - Stage 8
1. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
2. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
3. Ruth Corset (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango

General Classification After Stage 8
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
3. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
4. Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana
5. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
6. Ruth Corset (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
7. Tatiana Antoshina (Rus) Gauss
8. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
9. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK
10. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara

Other Notables
21. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
23. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
50. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
72. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
73. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
81. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women

Jersey Leaders After Stage 8
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Elena Berlato (Ita) Top Girls Fassa Bortolo

Next: Stage 9 - Aglie' to Ceresole Reale (114.8km)

Whether Nederland Bloeit team director, Jeroen Blijlevens, was merely stating the cold, hard facts about current race leader, Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit), or doing his best Oracle impersonation from the Matrix, Vos evidently heard exactly what she needed to hear during the 122 kilometer Stage 7 of the 22nd Giro Donne from Rovato to Grosotto.

The 24-year old from Meeuwen was simply dominant over a course that included a climb up the storied Mortirolo. She would enter the town of Grosotto alone beating the next closest competitor, Italy’s Tatiana Guderzo (SC MCipollini Giordana), by over a minute. Lucinda Brand (AA Drink - Leontien.nl Cycling Team) rounded out the day’s podium in third.

Results - Stage 7
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana
3. Lucinda Brand (Ned) AA Drink - Leontien.nl Cycling Team

General Classification After Stage 7
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
3. Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana
4. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
5. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
6. Tatiana Antoshina (Rus) Gauss
7. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
8. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK
9. Ruth Corset (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
10. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara

Other Notables
31. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
38. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
64. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
73. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
82. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women
86. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara

Jersey Leaders After Stage 7
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Elena Berlato (Ita) Top Girls Fassa Bortolo

Next: Stage 8 - Teglio to Valdidentro (70km)

Photo:

Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) continued her personal assault on the rest of the women's peloton by claiming her third victory of the 22nd Giro Donne. The current race leader, Vos, made easy work of current World Champion, Giorgia Bronzini (Colavita Forno d'Asolo) and Ina Teutenberg (HTC Highroad Women) at the end of the 128km sixth stage from Fontanellato to Piacenza.

Surprisingly and despite leading in three of the jersey competitions (General, Points and Mountains), Nederland Bloeit team director, Jeroen Blijlevens, is showing little confidence that Vos can win the race. Blijlevens would tell telesport.nl, "With three mountain stages and an individual time trial ahead it will not be easy. Marianne has never finished a major stage race on the podium, so that would be a good end in itself."

Results - Stage 6
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
3. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women

General Classification After Stage 6
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
3. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
4. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
5. Sharon Laws (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
6. Grace Verbeke (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen 2012 - Ridley Team
7. Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (Fra) Gauss
8. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
9. Linda Melanie Villumsen (NZl) AA Drink - Leontien.nl Cycling Team
10. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK

Other Notables
18. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
19. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
20. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
35. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
55. Nicole Cooke (GBr) SC MCipollini Giordana
61. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women
63. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
72. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
80. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
86. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
103. Heather Logan (Can) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
108. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo

Jersey Leaders After Stage 6
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Rasa Leleivyte (Ltu) Vaiano Solaristech

Next: Stage 7 Rovato to Grosotto (122km)
Highlighted by an ascent of the Mortirolo, current race leader Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) will face a serious challenge from the likes of Emma Pooley (Garmin-Cervelo) and Judith Arndt (HTC-Highroad), who currently sit in 3rd and 8th positions on the General Classification, respectively.

Photo: Kris Claeyé

It had been some time since the cycling world glimpsed the signature outstretched arms victory salute of Nicole Cooke (SC MCipollini Giordana), but it was on full display at the end of Stage 5 of the 22nd Giro Donne in the fair town of Verona.

The 2008 Olympic and World Champion would solo to capture her first victory of 2011, and her first at the Giro Donne since the 2004 season.

Current race leader, Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit), crossed the line in second to easily retain her lead, while Ina Yoko Teutenberg (HTC Highroad Women) rounded out the podium in third.

Results - Stage 5
1. Nicole Cooke (GBr) SC MCipollini Giordana
2. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
3. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women

General Classification After Stage 5
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
3. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
4. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
5. Sharon Laws (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
6. Grace Verbeke (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen 2012 - Ridley Team
7. Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (Fra) Gauss
8. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
9. Linda Melanie Villumsen (NZl) AA Drink - Leontien.nl Cycling Team
10. Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana

Other Notables
16. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
17. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
19. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
20. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK
35. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
55. Nicole Cooke (GBr) SC MCipollini Giordana
61. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women
63. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
72. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
80. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
87. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
104. Heather Logan (Can) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
108. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo

Jersey Leaders After Stage 5
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Rasa Leleivyte (Ltu) Vaiano Solaristech

Next: Stage 6 Fontanellato to Piacenza (128km)

The incomparable and seemingly ageless  Ina Yoko Teutenberg (HTC Highroad Women) outsprinted the Italian pair of current World Champion Giorgia Bronzini (Colavita Forno d'Asolo) and Monia Baccaille (SC MCipollini Giordana) to lay claim to the Stage 4 victory in Forli'.

"It wasn't really technical because it was a straight shot to the finish line. We had a couple roundabouts but the team did a good job from 3km leading out and keeping it fast, so there wasn't much position problems. The girls delivered me to 200m and I was able to hold off Bronzini for the last 200m," Teutenberg told Cyclingnews afterward.

The win was Teutenberg's 11th of the season and her 7th career victory at the Giro Donne.

Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) would finish in 10th place on the day to retain the overall race lead.

Results - Stage 4
1. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
2. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
3. Monia Baccaille (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana

General Classification After Stage 4
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
3. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
4. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
5. Sharon Laws (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
6. Grace Verbeke (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen 2012 - Ridley Team
7. Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (Fra) Gauss
8. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
9. Linda Melanie Villumsen (NZl) AA Drink - Leontien.nl Cycling Team
10. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK

Other Notables
17. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
18. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
20. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
35. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
55. Nicole Cooke (GBr) SC MCipollini Giordana
61. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women
63. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
73. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
80. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
87. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
104. Heather Logan (Can) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
108. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo

Jersey Leaders After Stage 4
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Rasa Leleivyte (Ltu) Vaiano Solaristech

Next: Stage 5 - Altedo to Verona (129km)

Photo: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos

Three days into the 22nd Giro Donne and Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) has already claimed her second win.

The former World Champion displayed her mettle over the undulating 104.3 kilometer course from Potenza Picena to Fermo.

Vos would solo to victory besting Emma Pooley (Garmin - Cervelo) by 19 seconds and third placed Judith Arndt (HTC Highroad Women) by over two minutes.

Results - Stage 3
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
3. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women

With her second win in three days, Vos easily reclaimed the maglia rosa. She now leads Sylwia Kapusta (Gauss) by 8 seconds.

General Classification After Stage 3
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
3. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
4. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
5. Sharon Laws (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
6. Grace Verbeke (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen 2012 - Ridley Team
7. Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (Fra) Gauss
8. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
9. Linda Melanie Villumsen (NZl) AA Drink - Leontien.nl Cycling Team
10. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK

Other Notables
17. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
18. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
20. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
36. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
55. Nicole Cooke (GBr) SC MCipollini Giordana
61. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women
64. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
74. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
80. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
87. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
106. Heather Logan (Can) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
114. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo

Jersey Leaders After Stage 3
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Rasa Leleivyte (Ltu) Vaiano Solaristech

Next: Stage 4 - Forlimpopoli - Forli' (101km)

Photo: Kris Claeyé

Shara Gillow (Bizkaia-Durango), the 2011 Australian National Champion, confirmed her place among the elite of the women's professional peloton in taking the 91 kilometer Stage 2 in Pescocostanzo.

The 23-year old Queenslander, a part of a 14 woman breakaway, would outlast her compatriots and make her winning move once the group was whittled down to two.

Gillow took the stage in front of Sharon Laws (Garmin-Cervelo), with Sylwia Kapusta (Gauss) trailing 10 seconds behind in third.

For her efforts, Gillow claimed the maglia rosa off day one leader Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit).

Results - Stage 2
1. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
2. Sharon Laws (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
3. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss

General Classification After Stage 2
1. Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
2. Sharon Laws (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
3. Sylwia Kapusta (Pol) Gauss
4. Christel Ferrier-Bruneau (Fra) Gauss
5. Grace Verbeke (Bel) Topsport Vlaanderen 2012 - Ridley Team
6. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
7. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
8. Linda Melanie Villumsen (NZl) AA Drink - Leontien.nl Cycling Team
9. Valentina Scandolara (Ita) Gauss
10. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit

Other Notables
11. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
12. Emma Pooley (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
13. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK
22. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Highroad Women
25. Mara Abbott (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
20. Andrea Dvorak (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
34. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC Highroad Women
65. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
66. Nicole Cooke (GBr) SC MCipollini Giordana
76. Ally Stacher (USA) HTC Highroad Women
64. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
82. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Highroad Women
87. Amber Pierce (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
95. Heather Logan (Can) Colavita Forno d'Asolo
98. Rochelle Gilmore (Aus) Lotto Honda Team
99. Elizabeth Armitstead (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
107. Shelley Olds (USA) Diadora - Pasta Zara
111. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) Colavita Forno d'Asolo

Jersey Leaders After Stage 2
maglia rosa - Shara Gillow (Aus) Bizkaia-Durango
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia bianca - Valentina Scandolara (Ita) Gauss

Next: Stage 3 - Potenza Picena to Fermo (104.3km)

Photo: GiroDonne.it