Leah Kirchmann time trials to victory in the prologue on the 2016 Giro Rosa to take the biggest win of her career to date.
The race started with a short and pancake-flat prologue in Gaiarine, Italy. A few precious seconds were to be gained and lost with the top contenders but essentially this was really just to sort out which riders would wear what jerseys.
Leah Kirchmann covered the 2km around the city of Gaiarine in a time of 2’23”28, to take a fantastic victory and the first leader’s jersey of the race.
Tomorrow is the first real day of racing, the peloton will navigate 104 kilometres of mostly flat and rolling terrain from Gaiarine to San Fior.
REACTIONS
Leah Kirchmann said: “This is an incredible feeling. This victory is even extra special because it is Canada day and it is also only a few days after my birthday.
“I had high expectations going into this race, but I am quite surprised to take this win in the prologue. Beforehand, we did a recon of the course a few times. Once I was racing I had the corners in my head and I was able to take them really fast. I just gave everything I had and that was enough to take the win, which is fantastic.
“This is a big success for me and the team. For the upcoming stages, we will try and defend the pink jersey for as long as possible. Of course, I will enjoy my day in the pink jersey tomorrow.”
Coach Hans Timmermans added: “This is an unbelievable victory for Leah and the whole team. We worked so hard for it and she really deserves it. Before the start, we studied the course and every technical section many times to be fully prepared.
“It is impressive what we showed here today. We made a good plan and she was able to execute it. I am quite emotional at the moment, it is our first victory at the Giro Rosa and it is just an amazing feeling. Leah is showing a really high level and is one of the best riders in the world at this time.
“For the stages to come, we will try and defend the jersey, but our focus is still on stage wins and we will take it day by day.”
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