Pooley wins opening stage of Giro del Trentino
Britain's Emma Pooley (Cervelo) won the opening stage of the Giro del Trentino in Italy on Friday.
Pooley attacked breakaway companion Noemi Cantele (HTC-Columbia) on the ascent of the category one Mendola pass mid-way in the 75km stage.
The Cervelo rider then crested the climb with a four minute advantage, and descended to the line with two minutes and 35 seconds advantage over second-placed Alessandra d'Ettorre (Top Girls Fassa Bortolo). Rasa Leleivyte (Safi-Pasta Zara) was third.
"It was a really long climb, 45 km but not really steep," Pooley said after the win.
"On the climb I went in the lead with Cantele but she didn't work and was just on my wheel. The first time I attacked, she was able to follow. But with the second attack I was able to drop her.
"I wanted to make the gap as big as possible because I knew that she is good on the downhill and I didn't want to take to many risks with the Giro d' Italia in mind. Once again our team is really strong, and any one of my teammates could also be in my position today.
"We will defend the yellow jersey now and try to win this race."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Pooley goes into the second of three short, punchy stages on Saturday wearing the leader's jersey. The Giro del Trentino concludes on Sunday, June 20.
Emma Pooley's 2010 wins
Tour de l'Aude; stage seven
Tour de l'Aude; overall
La Fleche Wallonne Feminine
Grand Prix Suisse (TT)
Grand Prix Elsy Jacobs
Related links
Emma Pooley: Rider Profile
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
Giant's new Defy and Avail e-bikes pioneer a rear-hub motor and improved battery technology
The all-new Defy Advanced and Liv Avail E+ line-ups include an integrated power system that weighs just 2.3kg
By Luke Friend Published
-
Milan-San Remo addition will 'raise the level even higher' in women’s cycling, says Kasia Niewiadoma
'It's really motivating to see that in just one season, everything can change' says Tour de France Femmes winner as she reflects on a year of success on the road
By Tom Thewlis Published