Rouleur predicts... Giro Rosa stage 9

Last chance saloon as Van der Breggen defends her lead over Niewiadoma to the end

Giro Rosa Photos: Sean Hardy/Ceratizit-WNT Words: Ian Cleverly

Motta Montecorvino - Motta Montecorvino (109.9km)

Olivia Kaferly

Anna van der Breggen (Boels-Dolmans) At this point in the race everyone seems so evenly matched, it’s really a crap shoot as to who will come out with the final stage win. Elisa Longo Borghini and Trek’s teamwork overall was very impressive and great to see on stage 8. Stage 9 also looks to be a prime stage for the strongest helpers to go out on attack to set up their leaders for the final climb. Trek seems the team most able to do this, but I think this time it will be Anna van der Breggen taking the spoils. She’ll want to stamp her authority on the race and prove she is the best climber remaining. P.S. Mikayla Harvey has been hugely impressive, and will certainly be a top contender in this race for years to come.

Ben Ward

Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig Okay, Anna van der Breggen has to be the overwhelming favourite after Friday's showing, but I'm hoping that Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig has one last (or one for each of the 5 climbs) hammer to throw down.

Hannah Walker

Anna van der Breggen (Boels-Dolmans)

She came close on yesterday’s stage, but looking at today’s course profile and with another hill top finish it could be another day for AvdB. She now holds the maglia rosa and I think looking at the way she rode yesterday, she’s got plenty left in the tank to take a victory on the final day in pink!

Ian Cleverly

Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo) Repeated lumps and bumps on the parcours for the finishing stage. Who you gonna call? Lizzie. The End.