Vos solos to win in Giro Rosa stage 3

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Marianne Vos once again showed that she is one of the strongest riders in the world on the third stage of the Giro Rosa. The Olympic and World Champion dominated Cerro al Volturno - Cerro al Volturno (104.9 km) winning solo after showing all of her quality on the flat, in descents and on the climbs. In one word: everywhere.

After 3rd category Castel San Vincenzo KOM won by Valentina Scandolara (MCipollini Ale Galassia), just 9 km from the start, six riders escaped from the group: Vos and Lucinda Brand (Rabo Woman Cycling Team), white jersey Barbara Guarischi (Vaiano Fondriest), green jersey Valentina Scandolara, Tiffany Cromwell (Orica AIS) and Lauren Hall (USA National Team). The riders in the breakaway, gained a 1:10 maximum advantage, until one by one they lost contact. At km 65 at the front were only Vos, who won the intermediate sprint in Colli al Volturno, and Cromwell. In the downhill, 10 km to the finish, the Australian fell and lost the wheel of Vos, who flew to the finish all alone.

Joining the Dutch champion on the podium were Claudia Hausler (Team Tibco To The Top) and Tatiana Guderzo (MCipollini Giordana), best Italian in the general classification, who both finished 45 seconds after Vos. Fourth finisher was veteran, Fabiana Luperini (Faren Kuota), whilst fifth was the promising Rossella Ratto (Hitec Products UCK), now the best young rider.

"I feel ok, but I would have preferred not to crash after so many kilometres in the escape. I hope to perform better on other stages in this Giro Rosa" said Tiffany Cromwell, the winner of stage 4 last year, smiling as usual.

"After two second places in a row, I needed a stage victory!" said Vos. "I didn't plan to make a long breakaway and I thought the stage was not so tough! The final was very steep and with the cobbles it was even worse, I'm really happy to win in rosa. In the next days I hope to be with the best and increase my advantage in the general classification."

Tomorrow's 4th stage from San Vito to Castelfidardo (137 km), is the longest 24th Giro Rosa edition.

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