After the setback in stage 5 of the Giro Rosa (the individual time trial), WM3 Pro Cycling also suffered in stage 6 with adversary. Moniek Tenniglo en Anouska Koster both crashed. The team started with attack plans, but the stage, with start and finish in Roseto degli Abruzzi, ended nevertheless in a bunch sprint in which Lotta Lepistö sprinted to victory. Anna van der Breggen keeps the pink leader’s jersey.

The 6th stage (116 kilometres) started shortly after noon in the warm Italian coastal town of Roseto. DS Jeroen Blijlevens had instructed his riders at the meeting in the teambus to race assertively. “It was not an easy circuit with the 2 climbs. However, it was simply not challenging enough for Kasia Niewiadoma. Today’s stage had opportunities for success for other riders.”

Two crashes
The green-black riders of WM3 Pro Cycling became visible during several break-away attempts. On the other hand, there was also less encouraging news. At the moment Riejanne Markus changed bikes in the 2nd lap, Moniek Tenniglo fell. “All of a sudden, riders started to brake in the peloton. Luckily I fell on a soft shoulder.” She could continue, but her leg bothered her after the race.
Also Anouska Koster crashed later on when she was at the front of the peloton. “I was being too enthusiastic and went too fast in the descent. I fell in a turn. Stupid, my own fault”, reacted Anouska afterwards, who ended up with a nasty scrape wound following her fall.

Mass sprint
A leading trio was formed in the last of 4 laps: Hannah Barnes, Sofia Bertizz and Soraya Paladin. These 3 collected a lead of maximum 50 seconds and were caught by the chasing group, bringing stage 6 to a mass sprint on the boulevard of Roseto. Lotta Lepistö won, Kasia crossed the finish line as the first WM3-rider shortly after the former bunch of sprinters.

Tough stages
The programme foresees rather hard stages on Thursday and Friday. It is expected that riders who are defending their position in the overall ranking, will be at the forefront.