World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) got here into this Giro d’Italia Women aiming for stage wins and was unsure whether or not she would contest the final classification.
Now, with only one stage remaining, she is in prime place to take the maglia rosa on the ultimate day of racing.
On an exciting queen stage 7 that completed atop the enduring Blockhaus ascent, Kopecky confirmed her versatility, matching present race chief Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek) on the punishing ascent after which out-sprinting her on the end line to take second place on the day behind solo stage winner Neve Bradbury (Canyon-SRAM).
More importantly, Kopecky secured a two-second acquire because of time bonuses that now place her only one second behind Longo Borghini within the GC standings forward of the stage 8 finale on Sunday.
“I feel it is a very silly one second, however I feel I did every little thing I may to attempt to go for the pink jersey,” Kopecky stated.
“Elisa was sturdy at present. I feel there is only one extra day coming, and I hope tomorrow might be an thrilling battle.”
It might be an thrilling battle certainly, because the peloton will race 109km from Pescara on the coast to L’Aquila, Abruzzo’s capital. While it’s not as demanding as stage 7’s race to Blockhaus, it’s nonetheless a troublesome course with extra climbing within the Apennines alongside the way in which.
The route gives an intermediate dash at Catignano, two ascents over Forca di Penne and Castel del Monte, and a descent into L’Aquila the place time bonuses are on provide and will play an vital function within the end result of this Giro d’Italia Women.
“It’s not a straightforward stage, nevertheless it’s a pleasant remaining, and we’ll see. There are bonuses on the end. Lidl-Trek will wish to do every little thing to get the bonus gone, however we’ll see how tomorrow goes. I’ve been using an excellent good Giro so we’ll see tomorrow,” Kopecky stated.