03.06.2026 World-Tour, News, Race news

ANTONIA ROCK-SOLID IN RIDE TO 3RD ON STAGE AND GC

In the first true mountain test of this year’s Giro d’Italia Women, Antonia Niedermaier showed not the slightest sign of weakness, looking utterly assured in a select four-rider group that rose above the rest on the relentless alpine ascents.

The elite quartet arrived at the finish together, where Vollering (TFS) proved the quickest ahead of overall race leader van der Breggen (SDW). Antonia crossed the line just behind in third, ahead of white jersey holder Holmgren (LTK), while also moving herself into third on the general classification (GC) podium.

Reflecting the effortless composure and remarkable poker face she displayed throughout the stage, Antonia was all smiles and moving freely immediately after the finish, giving little indication of the immense effort required to conquer a gruelling 146km route through the heart of the Dolomites that packed in more than 3330m of elevation.

It was a day that exploded into life from the very beginning, with many attacks as riders fought for a place in the day’s breakaway. That collective determination was reflected in a sizeable group of around 30 riders that eventually forged clear, with Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig among those up the road.

The breakaway’s advantage was ultimately short-lived with all of the escapees reeled in before the race tackled the steep, switchback-laden Costa climb (2.7km at 9.8%). It was ascended twice inside the final 40km before a rolling plateau and quick descent to a finish in the valley below.

It was on these decisive slopes that Antonia once again showcased her exceptional uphill ability, further strengthening her status as one of the very best climbers in the sport. Responding to every dig from van der Breggen and chief rival Vollering, Antonia looked impressively composed under pressure, delivering another highly encouraging performance ahead of the mountainous challenges that remain between now and Sunday’s ultimate Giro d’Italia finish line.

The 23-year-old German now sits third overall, 1:24 behind race leader van der Breggen, with Vollering occupying second place at one minute. Antonia, meanwhile, holds a 37 second advantage over Holmgren in fourth.

This is how Antonia reflected on her second Grand Tour stage podium, the first having come with her spectacular stage victory at the Giro d’Italia Women in 2023:

“I could finally show that I have good legs, and that I’m in good shape, so I’m really happy with the result. I was actually quite surprised that I could move up in the GC because I was already in a good position after the TT yesterday, and was more thinking, ‘let’s just wait to see what happens today’.

To be honest, I expected the first two climbs to be harder, but because the breakaway group was already in front, we were taking it quite easy from behind. It was nice for me that Cecilie was in there.

For sure, I was trying to stick with Demi [Vollering] and van der Breggen. Demi tried to attack, but in the end, we stayed together and there were four of us coming to the finish. I was also trying not to waste too much energy because there are some hard stages are coming up.

Overall, I think I played it well because it was also quite hard on a circuit like this to get away solo. I feel like tomorrow is an easier stage – I don’t want to say easy because you never know, it can also be chaotic – but I think a little bit easier than today. Then, we are hitting the really exciting stages.”

After two days of GC battles, the sprinters will be back in contention tomorrow. Stage 6 is a 160km day heading from the mountainous foothills to the plains, passing the scenic shores of Lake Garda and featuring only minimal elevation gain along the way.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Live coverage is available on TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO Max, FloBikes, SBS, RAI and other national broadcasters. Follow the race each day on X using #GirodItaliaWomen and #UCIWWT, and stay updated with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto via our social channels.

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