The final stage will decide the general classification. For many, the GC is already a done deal, but all eyes are on the European champion Demi Vollering, the only one who can change the outcome of the race.
The race already ignites on the Montoso climb when a group of about 10 riders emerges, containing all the top favorites with the exception of Reusser. With around 80km to go, a trio consisting of Fisher-Black, Longo Borghini, and Niedermaier breaks away from this group, followed by de Vries and Dickson.
Niedermaier becomes the virtual maglia rosa, while Vollering finds in Dickson the domesticque she needs to limit the damage and play all her cards on the Colletta di Brondello climb, the final KOM of this Giro d'Italia!
The trio hit the climb with a lead of about 1'45" over the pink jersey, with Niedermaier setting the pace, just as van der Breggen does once Dickson finishes her pull. With 39km to go, Vollering says "Alea iacta est"! She attacks about 2km from the summit, and van der Breggen is unable to respond. The European champion's solo effort begins, and about 10km later she catches the front of the race, becoming the new virtual maglia rosa.
A quartet forms at the front, with everyone cooperating, while van der Breggen is left isolated, caught by de Vries when her deficit to the race leaders hits 1'30" and continues to grow.
Vollering can taste the Giro victory and complete the "Triple Crown", Niedermaier can claim second place on the podium, and Longo Borghini can win her "home" stage! Vollering sits out of the sprint, as does Niedermaier; Fisher-Black launches the sprint, but with 50 meters to go, the Italian champion comes around her to take the win!
Vollering wins, while van der Breggen crosses the line 2'23" back, losing another Grand Tour on the very last stage just a month later, a Giro d'Italia that would have seen her return to victory 5 years after her last title.