Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling will start the Giro d’Italia Femminile – the Giro Rosa – on Sunday with the objective of taking as many stage victories as possible. Two-time former World champion Giorgia Bronzini will be looking to add to her career total of four stages in the race, but the black and orange team will be looking to take any opportunities that arise.
“The first two stages and the Saturday one look good for a sprint, so I will be trying to win those,” said Bronzini ahead of the race. “I am feeling confident after the national championships, because I was alone and I could show that I was one of best climbers… So I’m happy, to know my form is good.”
This year’s race will see Bronzini’s first appearance in her home Tour while riding for a non-Italian team, but the professional organisation at Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling has given the 29-year-old the best possible preparation.
“I’m so happy that I’ve never been quite so glad to be a part of a team,” she said. “I would like to said thanks to Rochelle Gilmore, Simon Cope, and all the sponsors for giving me the possibility to be able to give my maximum!”
Along with Bronzini, the Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling line up for the race includes team manager and Commonwealth champion Rochelle Gilmore and Australian compatriot Lauren Kitchen, German duo Charlotte Becker and Anna-Bianca Schnitzmeier, former seven-time Japanese champion Mayuko Hagiwara, and New Zealanders Emily Collins and Linda Villumsen.
“We picked the team to support Giorgia on the flat stages, and then obviously Linda and Charlotte will have their opportunities on the hillier days,” explained Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling directeur sportif Simon Cope. “We may target the points jersey, but we’re here to take stages, basically, to win as much as we can, and that’s the main objective.”
Villumsen finished ninth in the 2007 edition of the race, and has finished in consistently high overall positions in the years since, despite working for her team leader. A high overall position is a real possibility this time, but the priority remains stage victories.
“A podium in the general classification is a long shot, but a top ten should be within reach,” said Cope. “We wouldn’t necessarily defend a top ten position though, we’re here to take stage wins. We’ll be working for Giorgia, but also will be giving opportunities to the others where they arise. On the days where it’s not going to be a sprint we’ll just be looking to get into the breakaways, and then we’ll see what happens.
“Hopefully Linda will be up there in the time trial on the final day,” he added.
“We’re looking forward to getting started,” Cope concluded. “I just hope the weather stays good all week!”
Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling line up for the 2013 Giro Rosa
Charlotte Becker (Ger), Giorgia Bronzini (Ita), Emily Collins (NZl), Rochelle Gilmore (Aus), Mayuko Hagiwara (Jpn), Lauren Kitchen (Aus), Anna-Bianca Schnitzmeier (Ger), Linda Villumsen (NZl)
Directeur sportif: Simon Cope (GBr)
