AG Insurance - Soudal heads to the Giro d’Italia Women

AG Insurance - Soudal is at the start of the 35th edition of the Giro d’Italia Women. This year, the race will be held from July 7 to July 14, covering a total distance of 876,7 kilometers that the riders will have to complete over eight days.

The kick-off for this stage race will be a 15,7 kilometer flat time trial through the streets of Brescia. The last three stages promise to be decisive for the general classification, with challenging climbs such as Passo Lanciano, Blockhaus, and Castel del Monte putting the riders to the test in the second half of this edition.

Stage Overview:

• 1st stage: Brescia - Brescia Tudor ITT (15.7 km) – Flat time trial
• 2nd stage: Sirmione - Volta Mantovana (110 km) – Flat stage
• 3rd stage: Sabbioneta - Toano (113 km) – Uphill finish ‘La Collina’
• 4th stage: Imola - Urbino (134 km) – Flat start and very hilly finish
• 5th stage: Frontone - Foligno (108 km) – Hilly course
• 6th stage: San Benedetto del Tronto - Chieti (159 km) – Through the valleys with almost no flat sections and uphill finish
• 7th stage: Lanciano - Blockhaus (120 km) – Mountain stage
• 8th stage: Pescara - L’Aquila (117 km) – Mountain stage

Riders at the start are: Gaia Masetti, Justine Ghekiere, Maud Rijnbeek, Kim Le Court, Julia Borgström, Lore De Schepper, and Marthe Goossens.

Lore De Schepper makes her debut in the elite team, having recently made the transition from the U23 team. This will be her first major stage race in Italy.

“This year's Giro d’Italia Women offers a challenging course that will test the riders. With a mix of flat stages, some tough climbs, and a time trial, it is an ideal opportunity for our team to showcase our versatility. The last three mountain stages, in particular, will be crucial for the general classification.

It is also a great opportunity to see how far Kim Le Court's potential can reach. This race is a perfect introduction for Lore in her first WorldTour race, where she can measure herself against the top of women's cycling. We will evaluate her progress day by day to see how she handles the stage race.

Additionally, we have our strong performers Julia Borgström, Maud Rijnbeek, Justine Ghekiere, Marthe Goossens, and Gaia Masetti, who were also present at last year's Giro. We have a young team that is ready to fight and prove themselves”, said Sports Manager Jolien D'hoore.