World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) got here into this Giro d’Italia Ladies aiming for stage wins and was unsure whether or not she would contest the overall classification.
Now, with only one stage remaining, she is in prime place to take the maglia rosa on the ultimate day of racing.
On a thrilling 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).
Extra 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 believe it is a very silly one second, however I believe I did all the things I might to attempt to go for the pink jersey,” Kopecky stated.
“Elisa was sturdy as we speak. I believe there is only one extra day coming, and I hope tomorrow shall be an thrilling battle.”
It is going to be an thrilling battle certainly, because the peloton will race 109km from Pescara on the coast to L’Aquila, Abruzzo’s capital. Whereas it’s not as demanding as stage 7’s race to Blockhaus, it’s nonetheless a tricky course with extra climbing within the Apennines alongside the way in which.
The route presents 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 necessary function within the final result of this Giro d’Italia Ladies.
“It isn’t a straightforward stage, however it’s a pleasant ultimate, and we’ll see. There are bonuses on the end. Lidl-Trek will wish to do all the things to get the bonus gone, however we’ll see how tomorrow goes. I have been driving an excellent good Giro so we’ll see tomorrow,” Kopecky stated.
