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Elisa Balsamo avoided late-stage crashes to win her fourth stage so far in the 2026 Giro d’Italia Women.
The Lidl-Trek star steered clear of crashing riders in the closing kilometers in the technical finish of the 160km sixth stage from Ala to Brescello.
“When you have the best lead-out in the world, it’s so much easier because I don’t have to fight for position,” Balsamo said. “Many sprinters thought it was a good opportunity today, so we saw a lot of lead-outs today.”
Maggie Coles-Lyster was second for Human Powered Health’s second runner-up podium so far in this Giro, with teammate Lily Williams hitting another top 10 with eighth.
Georgia Baker (Liv AlUla Jayco) crossed the line third.
Millie Couzens (Fenix-Premier Tech) was among one of the falling riders in the tight final run to the line.
Overnight leader Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime) finished safely in the bunch to defend pink.
How it happened
After two decisive days of racing, the pancake flat parcours wasn’t expected to deliver many fireworks until the finish line.
There was a flurry of panic with about 60km to go when the peloton fractured under pressure from Uno-X in crosswinds.
Van der Breggen wasn’t caught out, but Demi Vollering, Marlen Reusser and others were momentarily in the splits. A strong chase brought things back together for the bunch kick.
One surprise spectator watching from the side of the road was Lorena Wiebes.
The SD Worx-ProTime star was spotted waving to her friends just days after she controversially kicked out of the Giro after winning the first stage with, what the race jury ruled, a bike that was 20 grams under the allowed weight.
SD Worx-Protime has continued to insist it did nothing wrong, and is threatening to pursue legal action against the UCI.
The 37th Giro Women continues Friday with the 159km stage 7 from Sorbolo Mezzani to Salice Terme. The route features the Cat. 3 Pietragavina climb (9km at 3.6%) with about 20km to go, something assured to liven up the finale.
Giro d’Italia Women stage 6 results
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