A dramatic twist has emerged following the opening stage of the Giro d'Italia Women. Victory had gone to Lorena Wiebes, who dominated the bunch sprint in Ravenna, but after a technical inspection of her bicycle, the Dutch champion was disqualified from the race due to an infringement related to the bike's weight.
📄 Official RCS statement:
"Ravenna, 30 May 2026 - Lorena Wiebes has been expelled from the Giro d'Italia Women following a violation of Article 2.12.007 - 2.2: Use of a bicycle that does not comply with regulations. Non-compliant with the minimum weight requirements. Therefore, the victory in the first stage is awarded to Elisa Balsamo, who will start tomorrow's second stage, Roncade-Caorle, wearing the Maglia Rosa."
Lorena Wiebes will therefore not take the start of tomorrow's stage, bringing her Giro d'Italia to an early end. The victory in the opening stage is awarded to Elisa Balsamo, who will also wear the first Maglia Rosa of this edition.
UPDATE 00:50: in its official Press Release Team SD Worx stated that the difference was just 20g (6.78kg instead of 6.8kg) and that two different weighing on the same bike after the stage varied by 50g. The team also stated that this bike was used in multiple occasions before by Wiebes and always comfortably observed the weigh limit.