The Queen Stage Crowns a New Heroine, but the Queen Still Reigns
There’s something about the Giro d’Italia Women that feels like a chess match on two wheels. Stage 5, the so-called ‘queen stage’ across the Dolomites, was no exception. It was a day where raw power met tactical brilliance, and while Demi Vollering claimed the stage win, it was Anna van der Breggen who reminded everyone why she’s the undisputed queen of this race.
Vollering’s Victory: A Triumph of Timing
Let’s start with Vollering. Her win wasn’t just about crossing the line first; it was a statement. This was her first Giro Women stage victory, and it came on a day that demanded everything from the riders. The Dolomites don’t forgive weakness, and Vollering’s ability to sprint to victory after 146km of relentless climbing is a testament to her versatility.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Vollering’s win fits into her larger narrative. She’s now part of an elite trio—alongside Marianne Vos and Lotte Kopecky—to have won stages in all three Grand Tours. From my perspective, this isn’t just a statistical achievement; it’s a marker of her evolution as a rider. Vollering is no longer just a climber or a sprinter; she’s a complete racer, capable of dominating in any terrain.
But here’s the thing: while Vollering got the win, it was Van der Breggen who controlled the race. And that’s where the real story lies.
Van der Breggen’s Masterclass: Control Over Chaos
If you take a step back and think about it, Van der Breggen’s performance was a masterclass in race control. Starting the day in pink, she faced constant attacks from Movistar, who clearly aimed to exploit SD Worx-Protime’s smaller team. Yet, Van der Breggen didn’t just defend her lead—she asserted her dominance.
One thing that immediately
