Published July 4, 2010 06:02PM
Teutenberg takes Giro Donne stage 3 time trial
HTC-Columbia sprinter Ina-Yoko Teutenberg takes her third straight stage at the Giro Donne. This time, in a time trial.
Teutenberg the time trialist?
Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (HTC-Columbia) surprised many on Sunday, taking her third straight stage win at the Giro Donne, this time in a 16.9km time trial. Teutenberg has established herself as the sprinter to beat, but is not known as a specialist against the clock.
Kirsten Wild (Cérvelo TestTeam) finished second, 21 seconds back, with Judith Arndt (HTC-Columbia) in third at 22 seconds.
The win further bolsters Teutenberg’s GC lead — she now leads Wild by 36 seconds and Marianne Vos (Netherlands National Team) by 40 — as the race inches closer to the mountains.
“I’ve taken three stages in a row in the Giro Donne before,” Teutenberg said, “but I’ve never won two bunch sprints and then a time trial, that’s pretty exciting. I was just hoping I would go out there and maybe not lose too much time, but it was a really good course for me and I had really good legs.
ADVERTISEMENT
“As race leader I was last rider off and half-way round I heard from Ronny (Lauke, HTC-Columbia sports director) that I had the best time. I thought I could have a good second half, and when I caught (Italy’s Giorgia) Bronzini in the last part; that gave me some extra motivation.”
“We’ve got three out of three stages and the lead so there’s no pressure on us now, but hopefully we’ll have the lead by the end of the week. The Giro’s always a big target, it’s one of the most important women’s races out there and whatever happens it’s a real honor for me to wear the maglia rosa.”
Shelley Evans was the top U.S. National Team finisher in sixth, 42 seconds back. Amber Neben and Alison Starnes came through 52 and 54 seconds back, good enough for eighth and ninth on the day.
“We put three girls in the top 10 and we are happy for that,” U.S. team director Manel Lacambra said. “Our goal still is to win the GC and our girls are in a good position.”
Monday’s flat, 90km stage from Ficarolo to Lendinara should result in another bunch finish.
Brief Results
- 1. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg (HTC-Columbia) in 21:50.08
- 2. Kirsten Wild (Cérvelo TestTeam) at 00:21
- 3. Judith Arndt (HTC-Columbia) at 00:22
- …
- 6. Shelley Evans (US National Team) at 00:42
- 8. Amber Neben (US National Team) at 00:52
- 9. Alison Starnes (US National Team) at 00:54