Elinor Barker Giro diary

Rolling with the punches at the Giro Donne

- Elinor Barker, Vern Pitt

STAGE ONE
LUCKING OUT!

What a weird day. The rain started at exactly 12.30, the same time the first rider rolled off the ramp. The already technical course became a slip and slide, and by the time the thunder and lightning began, 18 of the first 30 riders had crashed. The race was temporarily restarted but after another hour it was abandoned altogether. It’s sad news for almost everybody, except me. After being hit with food poisoning on the travel day to Italy and being unable to keep any food or water down, I’ve lucked out. The chances of getting a surprise rest day to recover in this situation are slim to none, and as much as it’s disappointing for the race to miss the first stage, I’m thrilled.

STAGE 4
COMING BACK

Relief ! After a horrible couple of days spent suffering in the gruppetto while I recover from illness, my legs are starting to consider making a comeback. It’s not the fairytale scenario I’d like; I still lost more than a few minutes to winner Elisa Longo-Borghini after getting gapped on the last climb, but I’m happy to be feeling more like myself. Morale in the team is high – partly because we had Amalie Dideriksen in the early breakaway, then Anouska Koster climbed her way to a very respectable 10th place, but mostly it’s because our chef made rice crispy cakes for dessert.

STAGE 5
QUEEN STAGE