Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling is sending eight of its strongest riders to the Giro d’Italia Femminile – the Giro Rosa – with the expectation of a strong showing in the ten-day race. The Giro, which begins with a short prologue in the city centre of the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, will feature stages across all different types of terrain, with the race finally finishing at the summit of San Domenico di Varzo in the north east of Italy.
The black and orange team will be led by two-time race winner Mara Abbott, along with Tour of Flanders winner Elisa Longo Borghini, who finished fifth in last year’s edition as the best Italian rider. As well as the general classification, Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling will be hunting for stage victories, with two-time former World Champion Giorgia Bronzini and Belgian Champion Jolien D’hoore two of the fastest sprinters in the peloton.
The team will contain more National Champions in the form of Japanese Mayuko Hagiwara, Spanish Anna Sanchis and Audrey Cordon-Ragot, along with former Swedish Champion Emilia Fahlin. As well as looking for their own chances, Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling’s riders are some of the hardest-working and aggressive in the peloton, and will be looking to make the race on all terrains.
Rider Quotes
Mara Abbott, five Giro d’Italia appearances (overall victory 2010, 2013, five stages):
“I am so excited for it to be Giro time again this year,” Abbott said. “This race is special because it is now our only stage race with truly big mountains, but the atmosphere and excitement of the race make it even more special. Taking part in this race has a magic of participating in something extraordinary that I haven’t seen at any other competition.
“I am so proud to be on such a strong team as well,” Abbott added. “I am honoured to get to be on the roster with these girls. I can’t wait!”
“The Giro Rosa is obviously a big event for me because it’s the biggest stage race of the calendar and it’s in my home country,” Longo Borghini said. “There are also some stages in my province which I love and I can’t wait to race on my roads.
“I really like this race and I hope the team can do well in these 10 hard days!”
Giorgia Bronzini, ten Giro d’Italia appearances (six stages):
“I’m ready for the Giro, and I’m excited too!” she said. “I’m confident in my team and I wish to give to the sponsor and team manger some wins!
“I think that every rider that will be there will be important for the main goal,” Bronzini added, “and I’m confident also for the good atmosphere with the girls and the staff!”
Anna Sanchis, Spanish Road and Time Trial Champion, two Giro d’Italia appearances:
“The Giro arrives; I think is the most beautiful race during the year,’ she said. “One of the hardest and with special magic. It’s one of my favourites and every year it is one of the main objectives.
“This year, we have a very strong team, and I hope to help my teammate Mara Abbot to win her third GC.”
Jolien D’hoore, Belgian Road Champion, one Giro d’Italia appearance:
“It will be my second Giro,” D’hoore confirmed. “I have a hate-love relationship with this race. It’s a hard race especially if you’re not a climber but I love the atmosphere around it. Even though you’re suffering, you’re enjoying it at the same time.
“I hope to do my work for the team and help my teammates wherever I can.”
Mayuko Hagiwara, Japanese Champion, two Giro d’Italia appearances:
“I’m very happy that I can wear the Japanese jersey in the Giro again,” she said “It’s very important for me, and very special for me too.”
Audrey Cordon-Ragot, French Time Trial Champion, one Giro d’Italia appearance:
“So it’ s my second Giro, I had a really good one last year,” Cordon-Ragot said. “I was tenth until three days to go, after a really good first hard stage.
“I’m not a specialist of the long climbs but I can help Elisa and Mara at the beginning,” Cordon-Ragot continued. “I think we have a really good team, really complete and strong,we can play several cards.
“I like racing in Italy, the public, the sun and media coverage is awesome. We will have a part of the supporters with us with our two Italians, I can wait to live it with my fabulous team.”
Emilia Fahlin, four Giro d’Italia appearances:
“I’m really excited to be on the start line for the Giro!” she exclaimed. “Firstly because it’s been a while forced out of racing for me, and it was hard to have to miss nationals, so I’m itching to get back with the girls and to race again!
“It’s definitely one of the races during all year with a good, positive atmosphere around and I look forward to all that,” she added. “I think we have a very strong team with contenders for every type of stage, as well as the GC, so I’m hoping to support the girls at my very best every day.
“Bring it on.”
Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling line up for the Giro Rosa (3rd-12th July)
Mara Abbott (United States), Giorgia Bronzini (Italy), Audrey Cordon-Ragot (France), Jolien D’hoore (Belgium), Emilia Fahlin (Sweden), Mayuko Hagiwara (Japan), Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy), Anna Sanchis(Spain)
