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

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

With Rome serving at the backdrop, the 22nd Giro Donne got underway today with the 86 kilometer Stage 1 from Rome to Velletri.

Marianne Vos (Nederland Bloeit) took the opener ahead of Ina Yoko Teutenberg (HTC-Highroad) and Swendish star, Emma Johansson (Hitec Products - UCK).

“The finish of the stage suited me and my form is great, Vos would tell Cyclingnews. "My Giro couldn’t have started better and now I hope to keep the race leader’s jersey for as long as possible.”

Defending champion, American Mara Abbott, riding for Diadora Past Zara was not as fortunate and finished in with the second group on the road, 16 seconds in arrears.

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

General Classification After Stage 1
1. Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
2. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
3. Emma Johansson (Swe) Hitec Products - UCK
4. Elizabeth Armitstead (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo
5. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Highroad Women
6. Rossella Callovi (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana
7. Elena Berlato (Ita) Top Girls Fassa Bortolo
8. Tatiana Guderzo (Ita) SC MCipollini Giordana
9. Rasa Leleivyte (Ltu) Vaiano Solaristech
10. Martine Bras (Ned) Netherlands

Jersey Leaders After Stage 1
maglia rosa - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia verde - Marianne Vos (Ned) Nederland Bloeit
maglia ciclamino - Valentina Scandolara (Ita) Gauss
maglia bianca - Elizabeth Armitstead (GBr) Garmin - Cervelo

Next: Stage 2 - Pescocostanzo to Pescocostanzo 91km

Photo: Kris Claeyé

Redlands, CA — Still reeling from an influx of record entrants for this year’s event, the all-volunteer Redlands Bicycle Classic Organizing Committee has announced the teams and competitors for this year’s race including 15 women’s teams and 27 men’s teams.

“We expect to see nothing less than fireworks this year!” says Executive Committee Member and Marketing Director Scott Welsh. “The men’s field has plenty of star power across multiple generations, with young talents like Lachlan Morton (Chipotle Development) and the legendary Alexi Grewal (Swamis Development). And on the women’s side, the race is equally stacked! With very strong teams like Colavita Forno D’Asolo and HTC Highroad, not to mention individual champions Kristin Armstrong (Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12), a former 2-time World Time Trial Champion, and Mara Abbott (inset, SC Velo-Empower Coaching), former RBC overall/stage winner and current Giro Donne champion, the racing is sure to be fierce.”

The 2010 men’s overall champion Ben Day returns with a new team (Kenda presented by Geargrinder) and eye to score his second overall title at the 2011 Redlands Bicycle Classic presented by PossAbilities. However, the women’s peloton starts without returning champion Ina-Yoko Teutenburg, leaving a vacancy that each woman in the field will be vying to fill.

Also among the notable entrants for 2011 is the U.S. Military Cycling Team, a program and race team entirely made up soldier-athletes that maintain elite level cycling fitness while holding full-time military careers.

“Certainly, we are excited about the entire roster of men and women who will be competing here.” Says Eric Reiser, Race Director. “But having the US Military Cycling Team attend our race represents something special for our event and our community, we are very proud to have men and women in uniform competing with us in Redlands.”

Besides a robust contingent of continental team talent at this years’ event the PureBlack Racing Team will be making the long trip across the International Date Line to take the start of the Redlands Classic. Hailing from New Zealand, PureBlack Racing brings a full contingent of southern hemisphere talent that will be itching to make a stamp on the U.S. Racing scene.

With four challenging courses primed and ready to lay waste to a peloton of fresh legs, teams and competitors now set, and the growing anticipation of cycling fans across the nation all that awaits the start of another pavement scorching, white knuckle edition of the Redlands Bicycle Classic is time.

For more information, including race times, distances, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.redlandsclassic.com.

Photo: BrakeThrough Media

Merced, CA - The fourth and final stage at the Merco Credit Union Cycling Classic was the 120 KM Almond Blossom Road Race. Waking to pattering drops of rain, an early start, chilly temperatures and gray skies did nothing to lighten the mood of the starters. As the race unfolded, so did the weather, leaving the competitors wet, cold and covered in grime. However, the rain did nothing to dampen the feisty racing, as HTC and TIBCO unleashed early attacks, one after another, trying to loosen Alison Starnes’ grip on the Yellow Leader’s Jersey.

It looked like the relentless attacks would never cease, until finally TIBCO’s Kendall Ryan succeeded in breaking the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 leash on the field. Shortly after, HTC’s Ally Stacher, and Starla Teddergreen (Vanderkitten-Focus) joined her. After 12 kilometers, Peggy Legrand (US Military) bridged and the foursome worked well together. Although none were a threat to Starnes’ Yellow Jersey, the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 team began their seamless rotation at the front. However, the cohesive foursome slowly put time into the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 powerful rotation, with some thinking maybe this would be the group that finally edged their way through the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12’s control of the peloton.

Just when it looked like the break might have some hope, Starnes’ well oiled machine brought the pace up and within a few kilometers the group was back in the fold. At this point, Ina Yoko Teutenberg and third place Pascale Maria Schnider put pressure on the now stretched thin field, sensing weakness in the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 Team.

As HTC and Schnider upped the ante, the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 answered in kind and soon the field was gruppo compacto and headed to the finish line for what was to be an inevitable fireworks between the top sprinters in the field, Teutenberg, Schnider and Tamayo.

As Tamayo’s team wound up for the sprint, the pace reached 30 mph, and HTC matched Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12’s speed pedal stroke for pedal stroke. As the group crested the final hill and the lead-out riders pulled off it was Teutenberg, Schnider and Tamayo in a drag race to the finish. At the line it was Teutenberg throwing her hands in the air for the victory over Schnider and Tamayo in third. Today’s win was Teutenberg’s second of the race, and secured her the “Combined Jersey” competition. Her young HTC teammate, Amanda Miller’s, stellar ride on day one put her in the White Young Rider’s jersey which kept throughout the entire race.

However, the big winner of the 2011 edition of the Merco Credit Union Stage Race was Alison Starnes and her Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 teammates. Kicking off the 2011 season with a fantastic show of unity and well executed teamwork, the Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 team is off to a great start. Schnider finished second to Starnes and narrowly edged out her Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 teammate Kristin McGrath, who finished in third.

The Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 team now has a brief break before racing kicks off again next weekend. The next North American Stop is the San Dimas Stage Race, followed shortly thereafter by the Redlands Bicycle Classic.

You can read more about Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 on Facebook or by following them on Twitter.

Photos: Wil Matthews (top and middle); Courtesy of Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY 12 (bottom)

Four stages into the 21st Giro Donne and it only seems appropriate that this year's edition be renamed in honor of Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Team HTC-Columbia), who has collected four wins in as many stages.

After surprising in the Stage 3 Individual Time Trial, it all but seemed a given that she would take the flat, 90 kilometer Stage 4 from Filarolo to Lendinara. The German would once again oblige and took another bunch sprint ahead of Kirsten Wild (Cervelo Test Team) and Shelley Evans (US National Team), who seems to be getting stronger as the race goes on.

"It's a very special moment. I don't think in 30 years of racing as an amateur and professional that I've ever managed to take four wins in a row before," Teutenberg told Cyclingnews. "We didn't think we were going to win the stage, we knew that a lot of the other teams were going to try for breaks, but they never seemed to work out."

Stage 4 Results
1. Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
2. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam
3. Shelley Evans (USA) US National Team

Other Notables
4. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Gauss RDZ Ormu
8. Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team
12. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) US National Team
13. Rochelle Gilmore (Aus) Lotto Ladies Team
16. Claudia Häusler (Ger) Cervelo TestTeam
17. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
19. Emma Mackie (Aus) Australia National Team
20. Chantal Blaak (Ned) Netherlands National Team
21. Mara Abbot (USA) US National Team
23. Amber Neben (USA) US National Team
24. Emma Pooley (GBr) Cervelo TestTeam
27. Carmen Small (USA) US National Team
28. Linda Villumsen (NZl) HTC Columbia Women
29. Carla Ryan (Aus) Cervelo TestTeam
35. Sinead Miller (USA) US National Team
51. Veronica Leal Balderas (Mex) S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox
59. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Columbia Women
62. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Columbia Women
76. Kimberley Anderson (USA) HTC Columbia Women
87. Amanda Miller (USA) US National Team
110. Alison Starnes (USA) US National Team
111. Noemi Cantele (Ita) HTC Columbia Women

As expected, Teutenberg continues to lead the General Classification competition as well as the Points Classification. Evans remains in 6th placed on the GC, with teammate Amber Neben in 8th. American Evelyn Stevens (HTC-Columbia) moved up one spot and now sits in the top ten.

General Classification After Stage 4
1. Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
2. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam
3. Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team
4. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
5. Linda Villumsen (NZl) HTC Columbia Women
6. Shelley Evans (USA) US National Team
7. Annemiek Van Vleuten (Ned) Netherlands National Team
8. Amber Neben (USA) US National Team
9. Iris Slappendel (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam
10. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Columbia Women

Jersey Leaders After Stage 4
maglia rosa - Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
maglia ciclamino - Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
maglia verde - Martine Bras (Ned) Gauss RDZ Ormu
maglia bianca - Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team

Next: Stage 5 - Orta to Pettenasco, 122 km

Photo: Giro Donne/www.girodonne.it

On Sunday, the incomparable Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Team HTC-Columbia) made it three for three at the 21st Giro Donne as she won the 16.9km Individual Time Trial from Caerano to Biadene. Kirsten Wild (Cervelo TestTeam) and Judith Arndt (Team HTC-Columbia) would finish in second and third, respectively.

Known primarily as a sprinter, Teutenberg surprised with a time of 21:30, twenty-one seconds faster than Wild and twenty-two ahead of teammate Arndt. The victory added to her already impressive season tally, which now stands at 19. "I was just hoping I would go out there and maybe not lose too much time," explained a shocked Teutenberg. "But it was a really good course for me and I had really good legs."

The US National Team trio of Shelley Evans (6th), Amber Neben (8th), and Alison Starnes (9th) also showed remarkably well, each finishing in the top ten.

Stage 3 Results
1. Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
2. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam
3. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
4. Linda Villumsen (NZl) HTC Columbia Women
5. Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team
6. Shelley Evans (USA) US National Team
7. Annemiek Van Vleuten (Ned) Netherlands National Team
8. Amber Neben (USA) US National Team
9. Alison Starnes (USA) US National Team
10. Iris Slappendel (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam

Other Notables
11. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Columbia Women
14. Claudia Häusler (Ger) Cervelo TestTeam
16. Emma Pooley (GBr) Cervelo TestTeam
17. Emilia Fahlin (Swe) HTC Columbia Women
22. Mara Abbot (USA) US National Team
38. Veronica Leal Balderas (Mex) S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox
51. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) US National Team
60. Amanda Miller (USA) US National Team
61. Carmen Small (USA) US National Team
81. Sinead Miller (USA) US National Team

General Classification After Stage 3
1. Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
2. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam
3. Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team
4. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
5. Linda Villumsen (NZl) HTC Columbia Women
6. Shelley Evans (USA) US National Team
7. Annemiek Van Vleuten (Ned) Netherlands National Team
8. Amber Neben (USA) US National Team
9. Alison Starnes (USA) US National Team
10. Iris Slappendel (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam

Jersey Leaders After Stage 3
maglia rosa - Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
maglia ciclamino - Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
maglia verde - Martine Bras (Ned) Gauss RDZ Ormu
maglia bianca - Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team

Next: Stage 4 - Filarolo to Lendinara, 90 km

Photo: Giro Donne/www.girodonne.it

After winning only a single stage at last year's Giro Donne, Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Team HTC-Columbia) came into this year's race with some added motivation, which did not necessarily bode well for the ambitions of the rest of the peloton. On Saturday, the German took her second victory in as many stages by winning the 130km Stage 2 from Sacile to Riese Pio X in a bunch sprint.

Although an early solo effort would highlight the day, Teutenberg and her HTC-Columbia teammates were able to pull the race back together in time to set up their pink clad sprinter.

"One rider made a long individual breakaway but we managed to keep the race under control and with 10 kilometers to go we'd brought her back," commented HTC-Columbia team manager Ronny Lauke to Cyclingnews. "Ina's teammates set her up perfectly for a the finish, a 300 meter straightaway with a slight downhill, and she finished off their good work without any problems at all."

The HTC-Columbia rider easily crossed the line in front of Giorgia Bronzini (Gauss RDZ Ormu) and Marianne Vos (Netherlands) to take her 18th win of the season.

Results - Stage 2
1. Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
2. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Gauss RDZ Ormu
3. Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team

American Shelley Evans (US National Team) missed out on the day's podium, finishing fourth. The winner of this year's Women's Tour of New Zealand is currently the highest placed American on the General Classification.

Other Notables
4. Shelley Evans (USA) US National Team
5. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam
10. Theresa Cliff-Ryan (USA) US National Team
30. Judith Arndt (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
36. Evelyn Stevens (USA) HTC Columbia Women
39. Carmen Small (USA) US National Team
59. Amber Neben (USA) US National Team
60. Sinead Miller (USA) US National Team
62. Mara Abbot (USA) US National Team
91. Linda Villumsen (NZl) HTC Columbia Women
92. Noemi Cantele (Ita) HTC Columbia Women
95. Carla Ryan (Aus) Cervelo TestTeam
100. Claudia Häusler (Ger) Cervelo TestTeam
101. Alison Starnes (USA) US National Team
102. Kimberley Anderson (USA) HTC Columbia Women
108. Emma Pooley (GBr) Cervelo TestTeam
110. Tiffany Cromwell (Aus) Australia National Team
111. Kirsty Broun (Aus) Australia National Team
113. Amanda Miller (USA) US National Team

General Classification After Stage 2
1. Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
2. Giorgia Bronzini (Ita) Gauss RDZ Ormu
3. Kirsten Wild (Ned) Cervelo TestTeam
4. Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team
5. Grete Treier (Est) S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox
6. Claudia Häusler (Ger) Cervelo TestTeam
7. Shelley Evans (USA) US National Team
8. Barbara Guarischi (Ita) S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox
9. Alessandra D'Ettorre (Ita) Top Girls Fassa Bortolo - Ghezzi
10. Annemiek Van Vleuten (Ned) Netherlands National Team

Jersey Leaders After Stage 2
maglia rosa - Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
maglia ciclamino - Ina Yoko Teutenberg (Ger) HTC Columbia Women
maglia verde - Martine Bras (Ned) Gauss RDZ Ormu
maglia bianca - Marianne Vos (Ned) Netherlands National Team

Next: Stage 3 - Caerano to Biadene ITT, 16.9 km

Photo: Leonard Basobas/LB Photos