Giro d’Italia Women GC favourites test legs on Montenars climb ahead of stage 4 mountain time trial

Stage 3 of the Giro d’Italia Women marked the first significant test for the general classification (GC) favourites, centred around the steep Montenars climb. The 1.9km ascent, averaging a challenging 9.1% gradient with sections reaching 16%, saw a select group of elite riders break away. Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) launched a decisive acceleration near the summit, closely followed by Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ), Anna van der Breggen (SD Worx-Protime), and Marlen Reusser (Movistar). However, the leading quartet chose not to extend their efforts beyond the climb, conserving energy ahead of the crucial mountain time trial scheduled for the following day. The climb was aggressively paced from the outset by Vollering’s teammate Célia Gery, whose hard tempo fractured the peloton and set the stage for Vollering’s attack. Behind the front group, riders including Femke de Vries (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Niamh Fisher-Black (Lidl-Trek) managed to limit their losses, rejoining the leaders shortly after the summit. Several other contenders remained within striking distance, though some, like Antonia Niedermaier (Canyon-SRAM), were hampered by earlier mechanical issues. The nature of the climb, short and steep, proved less favourable to riders preferring longer ascents, exemplified by Barbara Malcotti (Human Powered Health). When questioned about the tactical restraint shown by the GC favourites after the climb, Marlen Reusser explained that no rider was dropped from the lead group, making it risky to push the pace and potentially lose contact with rivals. The riders were mindful of the upcoming 12.7km mountain time trial on stage 4, which promised to deliver more definitive time gaps. With over 20km of predominantly flat terrain remaining before the finish, maintaining a measured effort was the prudent strategy for those targeting the overall victory. Stage 4’s mountain time trial from Belluno to Nevegal, rising from 387 metres to 1047 metres, is set to be the first true battleground for the GC contenders. The climb will test individual climbing prowess and time-trialling ability, likely reshaping the overall standings. The performances on Montenars have provided an early indication of form, but the time trial will offer a clearer picture of who can emerge as the main contenders in this prestigious nine-day race.