Foto. JIT

Havana, Jul 9 (JIT) Cuban Arlenis Sierra, of the Movistar team, came close to the podium when she came in fourth place in the massive packing that defined the second stage of the Giro d'Italia Women's 2024, run between the towns of Sirmione and Volta Mantovana.

Sierra achieved another outstanding performance as expected, because during the 110 kilometers, flat terrain prevailed, and after an effective collective work she achieved the same time as the leading trio of 2:41:58 hours.

Italian Chiara Consonni (UAE-Adq) won the sprint vover Belgian world champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) and Italian Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek).

In eighth place came the Italian Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek), winner of the initial stage, so she maintains her status of absolute leader, with a cumulative time of 3:02:35 hours.

The challenge included some undulations -but moderate- in Cavriana before arriving at Volta Mantovana to the finish line, a stretch that the Movistar riders took advantage of to work as a team and stay in the lead. Especially the Serbian Jelena Eric, who finished in 46th place, after her intense effort.

Before them crossed the Dutch Mareille Meijering in 34th position and the British Claire Steels (36th), and then the German Liane Lippert (50th), all with the same time as the winner of the day.

For this Tuesday is scheduled the third stage over a distance of 111 km from Sabbioneta to Toano, and which is distinguished because it concludes on a climb.

The race starts with a very gentle ascent from Ponte Secchia, through the Po valley, but the last 12 km are entirely uphill to the finish, a real highlight for the strongest climbers.