Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio turned out another fine performance during the penultimate stage of this year’s Giro Rosa. The South African champion finished third on the stage behind Anna van der Breggen (Rabo-Liv) and Megan Guarnier (Boels-Dolmans).
Moolman-Pasio was first disappointed with the result as it meant she slips back to third overall but having thought about it more, it was a massive step in the right direction as she finished ahead of several of the world’s best time trialists.
“It was a tough day,” she said. “Time trialling is so hard because it’s a mental game. Just you, the bike and the road. I gave it my all. Initially crossing the line there’s always emotions but in hindsight I am happy with my ride. I was competing against the world’s best time trialists and to finish third with the worlds best is something to be proud of.”
Moolman-Pasio is third overall one minute fifteen seconds behind van der Breggen. The only women’s Grand Tour concludes tomorrow with a mountaintop finish in San Domenico di Varzo.
“The race isn’t over. Tomorrow is a hard day and we won’t give up. The race is only over at the top of the climb,” Moolman-Pasio concluded.
Excellent well done.