September 16, 2020

Rouleur predicts... Giro Rosa stage 7

Words: Ian Cleverly

Photos: Sean Hardy/Ceratizit-WNT

That's three stage wins out of six for the insatiable Marianne Vos, sensational racing.

And three wins to date for our panellists, too. Top puntering and no mistake. Can we keep pace with the flying Dutchwomen?

Stage 7 Nola – Maddaloni (112.5km)

Olivia Kaferly

Marianne Vos (CCC-Liv) Stage 7 looks to be another day where someone who can climb and descend equally well can really exploit any weakness in the competition. Really lumpy to begin with followed by a circuit around Maddaloni topping out with two climbs up to the Santuario San Michele Arcangelo. The descent after the second ascent won’t leave enough time for a regrouping before the finish line, which also looks to have a sting in the tail, judging by the stage profile. I fancy the chances of every rider I have already named for a stage win, but this time I’m not betting against Marianne Vos who is as impressive and dominant as ever.

Andy McGrath

Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo) Can get over those punchy late climbs and pack a punch in the sprint. Her successful summer continues, I reckon.

Ben Ward

Liane Lippert (Team Sunweb) It has been a real joy to see Marianne Vos back to her best and it's probably mad to bet against her again on this stage, but I'd love to see more of the young riders make an impact in this Giro Rosa that has been dominated by the veterans. So although Lianne Lippert hasn't looked at her best this week, I'm picking her to spring a surprise.

Hannah Walker

Chantal van den Broek-Blaak (Boels-Dolmans) Boels Dolmans have been lying low the last few days. I feel as the next 3 stages begin to get increasingly harder, they’ll want to push for a stage win. Chantal is looking in great form, can make it over the climbs and has a good punch for the finish in Maddaloni.