Stage 6 of the Giro d’Italia Women delivered one of the most tactically engaging and physically demanding races of the week, spanning 145 kilometers from Bellaria-Igea Marina to Terre Roveresche (Orciano di Pesaro). It was Liane Lippert (Movistar Team) who emerged victorious after a relentless day of climbing and a calculated final sprint. Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck) secured an impressive second place after animating the key breakaway, while Shirin van Anrooij (Lidl–Trek) completed the podium in third following a determined ride over the challenging terrain.
The stage profile featured a series of short but steep climbs, with more than 2,300 meters of elevation gain across a lumpy course that suited aggressive riders and puncheurs. Early attempts at forming a breakaway were thwarted by the peloton, which remained attentive through the opening climbs, including the ascent to San Marino. As the race moved deeper into the Marche region, the tempo increased, particularly over the ascents of Monteciccardo and Beato Sante, where the field began to split under pressure.
The decisive moment came with around 44 kilometers remaining, when a strong move was launched containing Lippert, Rooijakkers, van Anrooij, and one additional rider. The quartet quickly established a gap, working together effectively on the undulating terrain. Their collaboration proved crucial in holding off a chase group that never managed to reduce the deficit to less than a minute, despite efforts from teams like SD Worx and dsm–firmenich PostNL behind.
As the race approached the final 10 kilometers and the last climb into Orciano di Pesaro, fatigue began to show in the breakaway. The cooperation became more tentative, and the riders started to mark each other in anticipation of the uphill finish. Rooijakkers, who had been particularly active on the climbs, pushed the pace several times to test her companions, while van Anrooij remained composed and economical in her efforts. Lippert, reading the situation smartly, stayed tucked in, saving her energy for the final surge.
On the uphill finishing drag through the historic streets of Orciano, Lippert launched her sprint with around 200 meters to go. Her explosive acceleration on the steep gradient proved decisive. Rooijakkers tried to respond but couldn’t match the German’s punch, finishing a strong second just a few bike lengths behind. Van Anrooij followed closely in third, visibly drained but satisfied with a podium finish after a tough day in the saddle.
This victory marks a significant moment for Lippert, whose season has steadily been building toward a major result. Her stage win was a product of patience, power, and precise timing. Rooijakkers’ second-place finish underscored her growing strength and consistency in stage races, while van Anrooij’s performance confirmed her ability to handle difficult terrain and mix it with the best climbers in the peloton. As the Giro d’Italia Women now turns toward its decisive mountain stages, Stage 6 has reshuffled the dynamics and injected new momentum into the battle for stage wins and the general classification.
HIGHLIGHTS
RESULTS
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