Giro Women reaches the Dolomites with the long climbs of Passo Tre Croci and Passo Sant'Antonio, plus two ascents of Costa (2.7km, 9.1%) in the final 30 km. A large breakaway of 22 formed in the opening part, including several well-placed riders in GC (Dickson, Ludwig, Cavallar, Ottestad, Benito, Gontova) and many other strong climbers.
The race exploded on Sant'Antonio (7.5 km at 8.4%): t the front, Dickson, Cavallar, Bunel and Gontova made the difference, while in the peloton attacks from Reusser and Vollering put several contenders under pressure. The situation regrouped, however, and a group of 13 crested the climb together, 1'40" behind the leading quartet. Thanks to Meijering the gap was reduced to just 30" at the foot of the first ascent of Costa.
The first rider to bridge across was Trinca Colonel, after attacking on the descent. Vollering then raised the pace again and, with the help of Dickson, reached the front group, putting Reusser and Longo Borghini into difficulty. At the top, Vollering, van der Breggen, Niedermaier, Holmgren and Cavallar led by 15-20" over Trinca Colonel and Longo Borghini, who rejoined on the descent, while Reusser, De Vries, Fisher-Black and the AG-Insurance leaders chased at 40".
Trinca Colonel went solo again on the second part of the descent. On the valley the Pink Jersey group stopped cooperating, allowing Reusser's group to close the gap. Over the second ascent of Costa, Vollering attacked from the foot, chased by van der Breggen, Niedermaier and Holmgren, quickly bridging across and dropping the solo leader. The leading quartet remained togheter, with Vollering and Niedermaier doing most of the work. The leaders started to look each others on the last 1.5km but still contested for the win with Vollering winning the sprint by large margin over van der Breggen, Niedermaier and Holmgren. Longo Borghini, Fisher-Black closed just 15" behind. 53" the disadvanrage of Reusser, Vallieres and De Vries.