Greig Leach

Within the final 600 meters of the race the SD Worx duo of Lotte Kopecky and Demi Vollering were able to catch Kristen Faulkner (Jayco-Alula). The two caught the lone American of the 15% gradient up to the old city of Sienna (or Siena if you want to use the English name). I assume Faulkner was moving to the right to allow the duo to pass, but she ended up putting Vollering up against the barriers. Vollering had to pause and then get back up to speed on probably the steepest climb of the day. It had to be heart breaking of Faulkner to see the multi-colored jerseys join her so close to the finish. She can take some comfort in know that she still would stand on the podium no matter what happens in the remaining meters. The greatly reduced peloton was another two minutes behind this trio. Now, will Vollering ride to give Kopecky her second victory of Strade Bianche Donne in a row? Or would they simply see who had the better legs of the team on the day?