Abbott seals second Giro Rosa victory

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Dutch time trial champion Ellen Van Dijk and Evelyn Stevens finished 1-2 for Specialized-lululemon at the Giro Rosa's final stage time trial while Mara Abbott (USA National Team) sealed her second overall victory.

Van Dijk completed the 16km time trial in Cremona in 21:12, 35 seconds faster than teammate Evelyn Stevens and 53 seconds quicker than Australian time trial champion Shara Gillow (Orica-AIS), who rounded out the top three.

"I was the favorite for this stage, but the end of a stage race is always unpredictable," said Van Dijk. "I’m so happy that I achieved my goal."

Mara Abbott, Giro Rosa champion in 2011, added a second overall victory to her palmares today as her 23:26 effort against the clock kept her comfortably in the maglia rosa. While general classification runner-up Tatiana Guderzo (MCipollini Giordana) and third-placed Claudia Häusler (Team TIBCO), the 2009 Giro Rosa champion, both finished the time trial faster than Abbott, they finished 1:33 and 2:18 behind respectively overall to the American.

"I can finally say I managed to do it! Thanks goes to my team, the public and all those who believed in me," Abbott said after the podium presentations. "Now, I’ll have an ice-cream, pack my stuff and fly back home where I’ll celebrate with my family and friends. I’ll be back to the Giro to try to be the best once again and to feel the warmth of the Italian fans."

Guderzo, the Italian time trial champion, was pleased with her Giro Rosa performance and is looking ahead to the Tuscany, Italy-hosted world championships later this season. "Like every Giro rider I was dreaming of taking the maglia rosa, but I am really satisfied with my final result," said Guderzo. "I also want to thank my teammates and race director Rivolta for their hard work. It was really a great Giro."

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