Vollering’s Thunderbolt: the Dolomites speak Dutch

The first Dolomite stage of the Giro d’Italia Women 2026 delivered exactly what it had promised: attacks, suffering and a major battle among the GC contenders. A large breakaway animated the first half of the stage, with Lauren Dickson, Nadia Gontova, Valentina Cavallar and Marion Bunel among the most dangerous riders up the road. Behind them, the relentless pace set by FDJ-SUEZ gradually reduced the Maglia Rosa group, while the first attacks among the favourites came even before the decisive climbs. Marlen Reusser launched an unexpected move with more than 50 kilometres to go, while Elisa Longo Borghini repeatedly found herself on the limit before clawing her way back into contention. By the time the race reached the final ascent of Costa, the Giro had become a war of attrition.

Vollering's Move

On the final climb, Demi Vollering finally delivered the acceleration everyone had been expecting. Supported brilliantly by teammate Lauren Dickson, who had spent much of the day in the breakaway before dropping back to assist her leader, the Dutchwoman unleashed a devastating pace. Only Anna van der Breggen, Antonia Niedermaier and the impressive Isabella Holmgren were able to stay with her. Behind, Longo Borghini, Niamh Fisher-Black f, and Monica Trinca Colonel fought desperately to limit their losses, while Marlen Reusser faded after her earlier efforts. Over the summit, Van der Breggen took maximum points at the second passage of Costa, before the leading quartet headed into the final descent with the stage victory between them.