Anna van der Breggen Claims Stage 4 Victory at Giro d’Italia Women 2026
At the Giro d’Italia Women 2026, 36-year-old Anna van der Breggen of SD Worx-Protime delivered a commanding performance to secure her first stage win of the race, triumphing in the mountain time trial from Belluno to Nevegal. The victory marked a significant milestone for the veteran cyclist, who now wears the maglia rosa after a 11-year gap since her last stage win.
A Journey Back to Form
Van der Breggen’s triumph on the challenging 19.9-kilometer ascent to Nevegal was a testament to her resilience, and preparation. She edged out younger competitors, including former teammate Demi Vollering, by over a minute, showcasing her return to the form that once defined her dominance in the race. The win also solidified her position as a strong contender for the overall title.
“It was a long time ago, but I have good memories of it. I think it’s nice to show that the road to victory is not always immediate,” Van der Breggen reflected after the stage. “It takes time to improve, and it was the same for me.”
Historical Context and Legacy
Van der Breggen’s stage 4 victory echoes her earlier successes in the Giro d’Italia Women. In 2015, she claimed her first stage win in a hilly time trial, which played a pivotal role in her first overall victory. Five years later, she secured her last stage win before this year’s triumph, cementing her GC lead on the mountain time trial between Fondovalle and Cascate del Toce.
A fifth overall win would see her equal the record of Fabiana Luperini, who claimed the title five times between 1995 and 2008. Van der Breggen expressed confidence in her team’s support, despite recent setbacks.