Huge solo win for Orica AIS rider
Orica AIS rider Tiffany Cromwell starts today’s sixth stage of the Giro Donne basking in the glow of a superb solo stage win yesterday, an effort which has moved her up to fifth overall. The Australian broke clear early during yesterday’s 118.7 kilometre race Polesella to Molinella and, with the peloton half-hearted in its reaction, quickly built a huge lead. She had twelve minutes 40 seconds advantage with 25 kilometres left, and kept the bulk of that until the line.
Cromwell soloed in eight minutes ahead of the main bunch, which was led home by Giorgia Bronzini (Diadora – Pasta Zara) and Valentina Scandolara (S.C. Michela Fanini Rox). Race leader Marianne Vos (Stichting Rabo Women Cycling Team) rolled in thirteenth and retained the pink jersey.
“I honestly thought it was a day for the sprinters,” Cromwell stated. “But I saw an opportunity and took it. When I had nearly 13 minutes on the field, I realized that I was going to get the win barring any sort of major unexpected incident. I also knew there was no way they were going to let me take the race lead, so I expected they would pick up the chase.”
She had started the stage twelve minutes 29 seconds back, and so was briefly race leader on the road.
Team directeur sportif Dave McPartland told the team to fire off a stream of attacks after the drop of the flag in order to try to break the elastic. “We know we have one of the strongest teams here, but we lack a sprinter that can compete with the top sprinters in this field,” he said. “So, we decided we would send some of the girls up the road and use our numbers as our strength.”
That paid off, handing Cromwell a well-earned victory.
Vos continues to lead overall, maintaining her one minute 31 second advantage over Evelyn Stevens (Specialized-Lululemon) and two minutes seven seconds on Emma Pooley (AA Drink – Leontien.nl). Cromwell is fifth, one place behind Fabiana Luperini (Faren Honda Team).
“I haven’t had a win for quite awhile, and it’s a pretty awesome feeling to get one,” she said. “It’s nice to finally be back up here. There are so many girls on this team that can win races, and it’s nice to be able to contribute to that as well.”
The Giro Donne continues today with a hilly 122.2 kilometre race from Modena to Salsomaggiore.