World Champion Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) came into this Giro d'Italia Women aiming for stage wins and was uncertain whether she would contest the general classification.
Now, with just one stage remaining, she is in prime position to take the maglia rosa on the final day of racing.
"I think it's a very stupid one second, but I think I did everything I could to try to go for the pink jersey," Kopecky said.
"Elisa was strong today. I think there is just one more day coming, and I hope tomorrow will be an exciting battle."
It will be an exciting battle indeed, as the peloton will race 109km from Pescara on the coast to L'Aquila, Abruzzo's capital. While it is not as demanding as stage 7's race to Blockhaus, it is still a tough course with more climbing in the Apennines along the way.
The route offers an intermediate sprint at Catignano, two ascents over Forca di Penne and Castel del Monte, and a descent into L'Aquila where time bonuses are on offer and could play an important role in the outcome of this Giro d'Italia Women.
"It's not an easy stage, but it's a nice final, and we will see. There are bonuses at the finish. Lidl-Trek will want to do everything to get the bonus gone, but we will see how tomorrow goes. I've been riding a super good Giro so we will see tomorrow," Kopecky said.
