Vos stamps sprint authority with victory on penultimate day

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Marianne Vos (Rabo LivGiant) claimed her third stage win at this year's Giro Rosa when the peloton arrived at the finish of Corbetta for the final time on the penultimate stage of the eight-day race.

Vos proved too strong over the circuit around the finishing town and easily beat two-time former road world champion Giorgia Bronzini (Wiggle-Honda) and American Shelley Olds (Team Tibco To The Top) into the runner-up positions.

While Vos was unable to challenge for the overall classification at this year's race, after winning five stages in 2011 and another five in 2012 along with the overall at both editions, she can take solace in her dominance during many of the tougher stages in this year's race.

"It was a pity that I wasn't able to battle for the maglia rosa this year, even though, three stage wins aren't bad at all with only one day to go from the finish of the race. I suffered on the long climbs, but I gave my best every day to honour this spectacular race and the amazing public, who is always ready to support us," said Vos at the finish of the eight-lap, 120km stage.

Second place on the day Bronzini was satisfied to run behind the current world champion Vos in the sprint. After picking up one stage win and one podium placing during this year's edition the Wiggle-Honda rider will leave the race with good feelings.

"I tried to catch up with Marianne 150 meters from the finish line but she was really unbeatable. No excuses, she's the strongest and today she really wanted to get the stage win as she had already lost the opportunity to place well in the general cassification. Concerning my race performance, I am really satisfied to have the great stage win in Pontecagnano Faiano in the bag and I've already finished on the podium twice," said Bronzini.

Race leader Mara Abbott (US National Team) was comfortable following the small number of attacks that occured but was unwilling to let herself enjoy a almost certain overall victory until after the final time trial.

"Until tomorrow, I won't be able to confirm the Giro Rosa victory. I will see you in 24 hours to comment on the maglia rosa that I am wearing," said Abbott after the penultimate stage.

The Giro Rosa comes to a conclusion following a 16km time trial around Cremona on Sunday.

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