Giro d'Italia Women: Célia Gery wins stage 7 as Elisa Longo Borghini goes on the attack for time

Célia Gery of FDJ United-Suez claimed victory on stage 7 of the Giro d’Italia Women, prevailing in a sprint finish in Salice Terme from a select group of six riders. Gery had bridged to an early breakaway on the descent following the day’s only classified climb and held off strong challenges from Lucinda Brand (Lidl-Trek) and Chantal Pezolo (Isolmant-Premac-Vittoria). The stage was marked by aggressive tactics, particularly from Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), who joined the leading group and pushed the pace in an effort to gain time in the general classification. The 159km stage featured a long initial flat section before the decisive moves unfolded on the climb to Pietragavina and the subsequent descent. An early breakaway formed within the first 15km and built a substantial lead, but the peloton gradually reduced the gap. A significant crash with 56km remaining involved several key riders, including race leader Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime), though all were able to rejoin the main group. Despite the disruption, the breakaway riders maintained their advantage, setting the stage for a tense finale. Longo Borghini’s presence in the breakaway was a key tactical element, as she sought to claw back time on her general classification rivals. With her teammate Silvia Persico supporting the effort, the front group maintained a slim lead over the chasing peloton, which included teams protecting their sprinters and GC hopefuls. Although the gap narrowed dramatically in the closing kilometres, Longo Borghini managed to gain a few seconds on her rivals, while Gery timed her sprint perfectly to take the stage win. Gery reflected on her unexpected triumph, noting that she had not initially considered winning but capitalised on the tactical dynamics within the breakaway. The stage demonstrated the complexity of women’s WorldTour racing, where teamwork, timing, and resilience all play crucial roles. The outcome also leaves the general classification open, with Longo Borghini’s attack signalling her intent to challenge for a podium place as the race progresses.