The queen stage of the Giro Women featured the monstrous ascent of Colle delle Finestre (18.5 km at 9.2%, with the final 8 km on gravel). The stage was originally set to finish in Sestriere, but due to an unstable ice formation it was shortened by 29 km, with the finish moved to 1km from the top of Finestre. The change was communicated while the riders were already on the climb.
After 40 km a breakaway of 16 formed, with most of the main teams represented: Gery and van Agt for FDJ, Barale and Sierra for Movistar, Persico (UAE), Brand (Lidl-Trek) and Reijnhout (Visma). As the riders hit the lower slopes of Finestre, the race exploded both at the front and in the peloton, which was quickly reduced by FDJ’s pacing, led by Lauren Dickson. The first GC contenders to struggle were Trinca Colonel and Reusser, although the Swiss rider never fully cracked.
Once the break was caught, it was the turn of Gery, who set a strong tempo for around 4.5 km before handing over to Dickson once again. The Brit continued for another 2 km, reducing the group to just 8 riders, with Longo Borghini also distanced, setting the stage for Demi Vollering’s attack. At 6km from the new finish the European champion launched one of her trademark accelerations, but it proved less effective than usual: Niedermaier and van der Breggen responded, while Holmgren limited the damage and later rejoined the group. Vollering tried again at 2.5km from the finish but was unable to make any difference. With 2km to go, the Pink Jersey moved to the front and set a high tempo, discouraging further attacks. The stage was eventually decided in an uphill sprint among the leading quartet. With a powerful acceleration, Vollering took the win ahead of Holmgren and Niedermaier. Fourth at the finish, van der Breggen retains a 50" GC lead over Vollering ahead of the final stage.