Spratt 'super happy' with top-10 finish in Giro Donne Stage 2

Aussie Amanda Spratt (Team BikeExchange) put herself in a great position to challenge for the general classification at the Giro d'Italia Donne, finishing eighth in the second stage after a brutal summit finish.

Amanda Spratt (Team BikeExchange) during stage 2 of the 2021 Giro d'Italia Donne. Source: Velo

Spratt battled to join a group of six riders competing for third on the ascent of the category 1 Coll del Prel with 10 kilometres to go, after SD Worx riders Anna van der Breggen and Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio had broken free to solo home for first and second respectively.

Missing out on third as Demi Vollering sprinted free in the finale to complete a 1-2-3 on the day for SD Worx, Spratt fought hard to finish eighth at 3 minutes and 5 seconds behind van der Breggen, the summit finish on Prato Nevoso proving a serious test for the riders after yesterday's team time trial.

The 2020 national champion now sits ninth in the GC rankings, four minutes and 38 seconds off van der Breggen as the race moves into stage 3, a 135 kilometre ride from Casale Monferrato to Ovada.

Finishing within the top-10 in the first road stage marks a great early result for Spratt and the team as the 33-year-old looks to improve on her previous best 3rd place finish in the 2019 edition.

“I’m super happy today about my result which came after a not very easy opening stage," Spratt said.

"A big thanks go to the team who were amazing supporting me from the start until the last climb and particularly Sarah Roy who really helped me a lot all day long.

This top-10 gives me a lot of new energy and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do in the next stages.”

Team director Martin Vestby was equally satisfied with the efforts of his riders on the day, recognising the groundwork done in support of Spratt to set up the top-10 finish.

“I’m really happy today both for Amanda’s result and also for the great teamwork," Vestby said.

"Everyone gave their best to help Amanda and she’s done a great job going up to Prato Nevoso.

"I’m glad that Spratty has really found her legs again and today she recovered some time from the other GC contenders.”

Watch the highlights from the Giro d'Italia Donne on SBS from 3:30pm weekends or 4pm weekdays (July 3-12) or available earlier via SBS On Demand and the Cycling Central website.