After two exciting stages for the GC riders, the sprinters were back in the spotlight for stage 6 of the Giro Women, a completely flat affair. Four Continental riders attacked right from the start: Bezzone, Spimi, Segato and Cagnazzo. Their advantage grew to four minutes. With 60 km to go, however, the peloton hit a crosswind section and split into several groups, with important riders such as Vollering, Reusser and Holmgren caught behind. The acceleration quickly brought back the breakaway, but the situation regrouped a few kilometers later. Balsamo claimed the Intermediate Sprint, Vollering also contested it but missed out on the bonus seconds.
With 21 km to go, Giorgia Serena launched a solo attack but was quickly reeled in once the sprinters' trains began to form, with 9 km remaining. The finale was highly technical, featuring multiple twists and turns in the final 3km. A roundabout with 1.5 km to go, in particular, disrupted several lead-outs, with multiple riders taking the wrong side and even a small crash.
Lucinda Brand delivered a superb lead-out in the finale with Balsamo on her wheel. Then, with 300 m to go, Maggie Coles-Lyster launched a long sprint, immediately followed by Balsamo, who powered comfortably to victory. Four stage wins from four bunch sprints for the Italian: an incredible Giro so far! Second place went to Coles-Lyster, with Baker completing the podium. Gery and Consonni rounded out the top five.