The queen stage of the Giro d’Italia Women was shortened after organisers were forced to intervene mid-race due to an “unstable sheet of ice that could fall on the road”.
The finish of Stage 8, widely regarded as the decisive mountain showdown of the race, was relocated to about 1km from the top of the iconic Colle delle Finestre.
Riders were informed with just 7.5km of the 18.1km climb remaining via race radio, with the decision also confirmed on the event’s social media channels.
Officials stated:
“UPDATE FROM RACE DIRECTION: Due to an unstable sheet of ice that could fall onto the road, for safety reasons, the stage will finish approximately 1km before the Colle delle Finestre GPM.”
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With the announcement coming so late, there was little time for teams to adjust tactics or properly prepare for the expected GC showdown on the final slopes.
Despite the disruption, the stage still produced a select battle between the general classification contenders. Demi Vollering took the anticlimactic sprint to the adjusted finish line, signalled by two rocks placed just before the summit and a rope.
Isabella Holmgren claimed second, while Antonia Niedermaier secured third. Also finishing in the leading group was former world champion Anna van der Breggen.
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Despite the disrupted finale, there were still large crowds gathered at the finish area, adding atmosphere to an otherwise abruptly altered conclusion.
The Colle delle Finestre, long considered an icon of the men’s Grand Tours, is famous for its gravel sections, extreme gradients, and decisive role in races such as the Giro d’Italia. This marked its first appearance in the women’s Giro.
