Anna van der Breggen produced a remarkable display of climbing and time-trialing strength to win Stage 4 of the Giro d’Italia Women 2026, taking the overall race lead and sending a powerful message to her rivals with five stages remaining.
The Dutch rider completed the demanding 12.7km individual time trial from Belluno to Nevegal in 31 minutes and 38 seconds, finishing 1 minute and 4 seconds ahead of reigning world time trial champion Marlen Reusser. Demi Vollering finished third, a further six seconds behind Reusser, as Van der Breggen claimed both the stage victory and the coveted Maglia Rosa.
While Reusser entered the day as one of the favorites on a course designed to reward climbing specialists as much as time-trial experts, Van der Breggen delivered a ride few expected. The route featured a technical descent before a punishing Category 1 climb to Nevegal, where gradients regularly exceeded 10 percent and exposed even the strongest riders.
Four-Time Giro Champion Delivers a Statement Ride
Van der Breggen’s victory was significant not only because of the time she gained but because of the quality of riders she defeated. Reusser had appeared untouchable after posting a benchmark time of 32:42, while Demi Vollering, Monica Trinca Colonel and Antonia Niedermaier all produced strong rides.
However, Van der Breggen shattered expectations. After setting the fastest intermediate split, she continued to increase her advantage on the climb and crossed the finish line more than a minute faster than Reusser. Defending champion Elisa Longo Borghini also struggled to match the Dutch rider’s pace, losing 1 minute and 51 seconds by the finish.
“I really did not expect it,” Van der Breggen said after the stage. “I think I’m an example that you need to keep fighting and in the end it will come again. Winning in this way again means a lot to me.”
The victory continues an impressive return to the top level of women’s cycling for the 36-year-old, who previously won the Giro d’Italia in 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2021. Another overall victory this week would see her equal Fabiana Luperini’s record of five Giro titles.
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General Classification Battle Intensifies
The result dramatically reshaped the general classification. Van der Breggen now leads the race in 11:31:32, with Reusser sitting second at 1:04 and Vollering third at 1:10. Niedermaier moved into fourth overall at 1:26, while Trinca Colonel rounds out the top five at 1:31.
Former race leader Elisa Balsamo surrendered the pink jersey after finishing more than nine minutes behind the stage winner. Van der Breggen also strengthened her position in the mountains competition, taking over the lead in the Queen of the Mountains standings.
The race now heads into a decisive stretch featuring multiple mountain stages, technical descents and forecast rain. Those conditions could provide opportunities for Reusser, Vollering and Longo Borghini to claw back valuable time. The challenge ahead highlights why Grand Tours remain cycling’s ultimate test, much like the anticipation already building around the Tour de France 2027 route announced earlier this year.
Despite holding a significant advantage, Van der Breggen remains cautious.
“A lot can happen,” she said. “It will be really hard to defend this jersey, but wearing the pink jersey in the Giro is a dream.”
Official classifications, stage profiles and race updates are available through the Giro d’Italia Women official website.
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