July 8/98 1:04 am - Giro Stage 8

Posted by Editor on 07/8/98
 

Pegoraro wins in Imola (courtesy Giro press service)

Tomorrow Pordoi Pass - Duel between Jackson and Luperini in the snow?

Luisiana Pegoraro won the 8th stage of the Women's Giro d'Italia (Casalecchio di Reno-Imola, 116 km), crossing the finish line alone. The Fanini Record Rox rider attacked at the end of the second of three loops on the final circuit, designed on the same course where, in 1968, Italian Vittorio Adorni was crowned World Champion. Following her, at the finish on Paddock 1 of Imola's Autodrome, with a gap of 1'15", were Pucinskhaite, Sunstedt and Bonanomi, who finished the stage 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively. These riders counter-attacked in the last kilometer and tried to bridge the gap with Pegoraro.

"Luperini was very active and launched an impressive series of attacks," said Pegoraro, who won the Trofeo F.lli Gavazzi this year. "I chose the right moment and took off anticipating her umpteenth attack at the top of the climb. I gained ground right away, because I'm strong on the descents. On the last climb of Monte Frassineto, I was able to hold on. I wish to dedicate my stage-win to my team-mates and to our president: Fanini has been quite unlucky this year. I hope my success will change this trend!"

Jackson, Luperini, Heeb and Bandini (all the favourites) attacked the whole stage through, especially on the climbs. Luperini was the most aggressive, showing that she didn't stomach yesterday's transfer of the pink jersey to Jackson. The rider from Pisa was active in the beginning of the stage with an escape after only 15 km. (She was caught at 21 km.)

Tomorrow, one of the most important stages of this Women's Giro d'Italia: the 95-km Predazzo-Pordoi with a difficult, final climb of 12 km on the road from Canazei to Pordoi Pass. Luperini's performance is anxiously awaited, as she has declared that she plans to attack against her most dangerous adversaries in this very stage and also on Saturday's stage between Longarone and Tambre. Thus, the battle cry on the Pordoi is heard, where the weather doesn't promise to be favorable for riding (it snowed there today!).

Stage 8 - Casalecchio di Reno to Imola, 117 km

1 Pegoraro Luisiana (Ita, Fanini Record Rox) 3:14:42
2 Pucinskaite Edita (Ltu, Acca Due O Lorena) at 1:15
3 Sundsted Pia (Fin, Mimosa Sprint) s.t.
4 Bonanomi Roberta (Ita, Mimosa Sprint) s.t.
5 Polkhanova Valentina (Rus, Edilsavino) 1:28
6 Wilson Anna (Australia) 1:42
7 Cappellotto Alessandra (Ita, Acca Deue O Lorena) 2:01
8 Heeb Barbara (Sui, Acca Due O Lorena) s.t.
9 Bandini Monica (Ita, Edilsavino) s.t.
10 Chiappa Imelda (Ita, Edilsavino) s.t.

GC

1 Jackson Linda (Can, Saeco-Timex) 19:38:06
2 Luperini Fabiana (Ita, Mimosa Sprint) at 0:15
3 Heeb (sui, Acca Due O Lorena) 0:21
4 Bandini (Ita, Edilsavino) 1:23
5 Pucinskaite Edita (Ltu, Acca Due O Lorena) 1:57
6 Cappellotto Alessandra (Ita, Acca Due O Lorena) 2:24
7 Sundstedt Pia (Fin, Mimosa-Sprint) 2:17
8 Chiappa Imelda (Ita, Edilsavino) 2:23
9 Somarriba Joane (Esp, Vittorio veneto Sprint) 3:02
10 Polkhanova Valentina (Rus, Edilsavino) 4:16