As it happened: More shuffling of the pack as the favourites battle it out at stage 5 of the Giro d'Italia Women

Demi Vollering of FDJ United - SUEZ claimed a significant victory on stage 5 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia Women, securing her first-ever career stage win in a sprint finish ahead of Anna van der Breggen from SD Worx-Protime. The 146km Alpine route, which featured over 3,400 metres of climbing, tested the riders with multiple first and third-category ascents, including the Passo Tre Croci and the double ascent of the Costa climb. Despite the challenging terrain, the leading contenders remained tightly grouped until the final kilometres, where Vollering’s sprint proved decisive. Anna van der Breggen, who entered the day as the race leader following a dominant uphill time trial on stage 4, maintained her overall lead, finishing just one second behind Vollering. The stage reshuffled the general classification, with Antonia Niedermaier of Canyon-SRAM and Isabella Holmgren of Lidl-Trek also moving up the standings. Van der Breggen’s SD Worx-Protime team, however, faced challenges due to a reduced squad size, starting the day with only five riders, which added pressure on her to defend the pink jersey. The stage unfolded in the northeastern Italian Alps, beginning in Longarone, a town marked by historical tragedy but now a familiar host to Giro starts. Weather conditions were variable, with sunshine tempered by a storm warning, adding an unpredictable element to the race. The route’s early climbs and the demanding elevation gain prompted several attacks, though no decisive breakaway formed until the closing stages, highlighting the tactical caution among the favourites. Looking ahead, the riders and teams now turn their focus to the upcoming eighth stage, renowned for its iconic climbs and even greater vertical ascent. The battle for the Giro title remains wide open, with the general classification tightly contested and the mountainous terrain promising further shifts. Vollering’s breakthrough win signals her growing threat, while van der Breggen’s resilience underscores her determination to retain the leader’s jersey in the coming days.