Dutch rider Anna van der Breggen claimed victory in the 12.7km individual time trial to take the leader’s pink jersey at the women’s Giro d’Italia.
The four-time Giro champion won stage four in 31 minutes and 38 seconds, with world time trial champion Marlen Reusser one minute and fours seconds behind in second place and Demi Vollering a further six seconds adrift in third.
“I didn’t expect that one,” said Van der Breggen. “This performance is a surprise.”
Van der Breggen won the Giro d’Italia in 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2021 and her fourth stage victory gave her a one minute and four seconds advantage over Reusser in the overall standings, with five stages to go.
“I’m going to have to defend this jersey, it won’t be easy,” said Van der Breggen, who is aiming to equal Fabiana Luperini’s record five successes in the event.
“The mountains are coming. There’s also rain forecast over the coming days.”
