Not only was stage seven of the Giro Rosa the fourth win for Marianne Vos (Rabo-Liv), it also saw Emma Pooley (Lotto-Belisol) take the lead in the mountains competition. The former World Time Trial Champion took maximum points on the only categorised climb, earning her enough points to take the green jersey from Valentina Scandolara (Orica-AIS).
Pooley set the pace on the 5.4 km climb to Teglio, which began immediately after the race was de-neutralised, putting the entire peloton under significant pressure. By the time they reached the top, only 10 or 12 riders remained in the group contesting the Queen of the Mountains competition.
After a long descent the rest of the course was largely flat and a group of 70 riders contested the finish which ramped up in the final 800 metres. Once again it was Marianne Vos who proved strongest, sprinting clear of the group to beat twice World Champion Giorgia Bronzini (Wiggle-Honda.)
After a tough start to the Giro, recently-crowned British Time Trial Champion Pooley is clearly pleased with her achievement.
“To wear any of the classification jerseys at the Giro is a great honour, and the green jersey is particularly close to my heart as a climber!” she said. “I have to say, I wasn't expecting it this year, I was worried that I'd lost my climbing legs altogether. It's a lovely surprise, thanks to yesterday's stage and getting the GPM today!”
“It certainly wouldn't be possible without the support and backup of the team. I'm very grateful to my teammates and the staff too, for encouraging me and believing in me. The green jersey is for all of them!”
Today sees the Queen stage of this year’s Giro. The only categorised climb of the day is a 23 km ride to the finish at San Domenico di Varza and is likely to decide the general classification. Pooley currently leads the mountains classification by five points and a win today would all but secure the green jersey.
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