Annalisa Cucinotta, Marta Bastianelli, Elena Cecchini: these are the first three positions of the fourth stage of the Giro Rosa 2015 (Pioltello - Pozzo d'Adda, 103 km). It has been the third day in a row with tropical temperatures which have conditioned the race since the first kilometers and the results is perfect for the Italian colours, just one day before the first alpine climbs.
Many athletes lost the peloton in the first circuit after the start in Pioltello, then the escape leaves with four athletes after 29 kms: Valsecchi (BePink-LaClassica), Mieke Kroeger (Velocio-SRAM), Valentina Bastianelli (INPA Sottoli Giusfredi and Lindsey Williams (ORICA-AIS). Valsecchi is the first at the Intermediate Sprint in Melzo and the head of the race reaches 3'00'' of advantage. The peloton accelerated and the escape was neutralized just right after the first passage in Pozzo d'Adda. No more space was given, the Alè-Cipollini Team commands the peloton to bring Annalisa Cucinotta to her first success at the Giro Rosa, where the American Champion Megan Guarnier remains the leader.
Results stage 4:
2. Marta Bastianelli (Aromitalian Vaiano Fondriest) +0''
3. Elena Cecchini (Lotto Soudal Ladies) +0''
General Classification after Stage 4:
1. Megan Guarnier (Boels Dolmans Cycling Team)
2. Anna Van der Breggen (Rabo-Liv) +2''
3. Ashleigh Moolman (Bigla Pro Cycling Team) +5''
The Jerseys of the 26th Giro Rosa after Stage 4:
Maglia Rosa: Megan Guarnier (Boels Dolmans Pro Cycling Team)
Maglia Ciclamino: Lucinda Brand (Rabo-Liv)
Maglia Verde: Carlee Taylor (Lotto Soudal Ladies)
Maglia Bianca: Katarzyna Niewadoma (Rabo-Liv)
Maglia Blu: Elisa Longo Borghini (Wiggle Honda)
Photocredits (c) Flaviano Ossola