S14 Ep68: Stage 9 | Saluzzo - Saluzzo | Giro d’Italia Women 2026
The final stage of the 2026 Giro d'Italia Women delivered one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged races in recent memory, culminating in Demi Vollering’s historic first-ever Grand Tour victory in the pink jersey. What began as a high-speed, chaotic battle from kilometre zero exploded into a masterclass of tactical warfare, psychological endurance, and raw emotion. Vollering, after years of near-misses and relentless pressure, finally broke through—launching a devastating 39km-to-go attack that left Anna van der Breggen gasping, her team’s refusal to support her proving fatal. The moment was all the more powerful because it came after a season of personal struggle for both Vollering and Elisa Longo-Borghini, who returned from illness to claim a heroic stage win in a sprint that felt like redemption. The race was a testament to the depth and resilience of women’s cycling, where riders like Antonia Niedermeyer, Isabella Holmgren, and Femke De Vries quietly built their cases for greatness. As the dust settled, the sport stood taller: not just because of the winners, but because of the courage it took to keep racing when the body said stop.
Demi Vollering won her first Grand Tour by launching a decisive 39km-to-go attack that left Anna van der Breggen unable to respond.
Anna van der Breggen’s refusal to pull for her teammate during the final climb was a pivotal tactical failure that cost her the race.
Elisa Longo-Borghini’s stage win was a comeback story—she returned from near-retirement after a debilitating illness to finish fourth in GC.
Antonia Niedermeyer secured second in GC, proving she’s now a top-tier GC contender after a steady, quiet rise since her 2023 Giro stage win.
The FDJ United Suez team’s relentless early pace blew the peloton apart, setting up the final drama between the top GC contenders.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the Final Stage Coverage
Rebecca Charlton introduces the final day of Giro d'Italia Women coverage, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia.
The Explosive Start: 145km of Chaos
“The final stage of the Giro d'Italia women promised to be a spicy one. 145 kilometers starting and finishing in Saluzzo, and heading into the rolling roads of the Cotian Alps.”
The Standoff: Vollering vs. Van der Breggen
“Demi Vollering lit the afterburners and there was no going back. By the crest of the climb, Vollering had 20 seconds on Van der Breggen and by the bottom it was 40.”
Longo-Borghini’s Redemption: The Final Sprint
“She didn’t stop and play games. She was contributing right to the end. Obviously it was Demi that had everything to gain... but Longo Borghini still continued to pull.”
The Tactical Mind Games: Niedermeyer’s Risk
Antonia Niedermeyer seizes the virtual pink jersey but ultimately can’t hold it, highlighting the high-stakes game of risk and reward in GC racing.
“But yeah, I think it's no secret that I fell out of love with bike racing over the last few years. yeah, it makes me very emotional. Days like these remind me why it really is the best sport in the world and I'm very proud to be a small part of it still.”
“We’ve probably got 10 riders who can be up there. We haven’t even really spoken about Femke De Vries at all this week, who’s had a phenomenal week.”
“gone. She lit the afterburners and there was no going back. By the crest of the climb, Vollering had 20 seconds on Van der Breggen and by the bottom it was 40.”
Hosts
Guests
lizzie banks
person
rebecca charlton
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demi vollering
person
anna van der breggen
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elisa longo-borghini
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antonio niedermeyer
person
isabella holmgren
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lidl trek
other
femke de vries
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niamh fisher-black
person
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