Brescia warmly welcomed the 153 riders who will compete on the 2024 Giro d’Italia Women, which begins on Sunday with a person time trial to set the tone for the battle for the maglia rosa.
Twenty-two groups have been introduced on stage on the Piazza della Loggia.
World Champion Lotte Kopecky took to the microphone to reply questions from the organisers for the crowds throughout a question-and-answer session whereas her SD Worx-Protime teammates have been launched on stage.
Cyclingnews has highlighted Kopecky as one of many favourites for the general classification, given her success on the Tour de France Femmes final 12 months and in shorter levels races this season. However, she stated that she want to win a stage and construct her kind forward of the Olympic Games.
“The Giro d’Italia is a good looking race that has lengthy been a part of the calendar in ladies’s biking. My first win within the Giro was an necessary second in my profession,” Kopecky stated.
“First and foremost, I wish to come out of the Giro higher than I began it. And to not get sick. By struggling within the eight race days, I hope to take the ultimate step conditionally in the direction of Paris 2024.
“It will likely be a type of robust coaching block. I haven’t got ambitions for the ultimate classification, however I do have intermediate objectives. I want to win a stage. That can be very nice.”
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The occasion’s dwelling favorite is Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini, who traces up with a strong Lidl-Trek staff that features the maglia bianca of the 2023 version Gaia Realini, and two former world champions Elisa Balsamo and Lizzie Deignan.
“We have every thing we have to intention for stage wins and for the overall classification. Looking to the course, it’s going to be an attention-grabbing Giro. The opening ITT is, proper from the beginning, a key day for the overall classification. There are 4 tough levels to comply with, not tremendous arduous however positively hectic and with difficult finishes the place we are able to by no means let our guard down. These will likely be good alternatives to attempt to dash with Elisa or, maybe, search glory with a breakaway,” stated Lidl-Trek director Ina Teutenberg.
“The final three levels would be the decisive ones for the GC. The queen stage on Saturday, with the double climb to Blockhaus, will likely be a very powerful day. But the final day should even be held in excessive regard. It will likely be something however a procession. I anticipate a hard-fought Giro to the final kilometre, and we will likely be able to play all our playing cards.”
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