July 2, 2005 — San Vendemmiano (TV) saw the start of the 16th Giro d’Italia for women, the GiroDonne International cycling, as Swiss rider, Nicole Braendli (Bigla), won the Prologue yesterday. A total of 17 teams with 125 athletes are competing at the GiroDonne, a 9-stage race that covers 800 kms.

The weather did not look promising as the day began but when the first rider approached the launch platform for the Prologue, mother nature co-operated and from then on into the evening it remained warm and pleasant (28°C). Prior to the start of the GiroDonne there was a short “kermesse” with junior riders and kids of the Veloclub San Vendemmiano, run by Renzo Zanchetta, who is in charge of the GiroDonne Stage Committee.

The short 1.7km Prologue followed a clockwise route, with start/finish on the main street of Via De Gasperi in San Vendemiano. After departing the course takes a sharp right-hand turn that leads to a slight ascent as riders hit Via Manzoni, the main and longest straight section of the circuit. After about 1 km the route follows a large bend to the right, passing in front of the Church of San Vendemiano, and enters the Viale Europa then returns to the finish on Via De Gasperi.

The riders began one after the other, with 1-minute difference between them and the first to launch, at 8 pm, was the Swiss rider Annette Beutler (S.C. Michela Fanini Record Rox). The last rider leaving at 10.04 pm, was the Italian rider Fabiana Luperini (Team FRW-GS Top Girls).

Swiss rider Nicole Braendli, started in 26th position and immediately demonstrated that she was the one to beat with a time of 2.06″.39 and an average speed of 48.421 km/h. 99 riders after her winning ride tried to beat her time, but it held.

Nicole Braendli, born in Zurich (CH), is the first Maglia Rosa of the GiroDonne 2005 – she won the Giro in 2001 and 2003). In second was Chantal Beltman (Vrienden Van Het Platteland) from Holland with a time of 2’.07.29, 3. In third was Lituanian rider Edita Pucinskaite (Nobili Rubinetterie Menikini Cogeas) at 2.08.09. And the first Italian rider was Luisa Tamanini (Bianchi Aliverti) at ranked 14 with a time of 2.10.20

“An unexpected surprise,” Braendli commented, “even if I must admit, I trained hard for the Giro. I’m in perfect condition as for now, and hope it lasts until to the end. Also, I must thank my sponsors and the new bike I got which is wonderful (BMC).”

GC After Prologue
1. Nicole Braendli, Team Bigla, 2.06’’.39
2. Chantal Beltman, Team Vrienden Van Het Platten, 2.07’’.29
3. Edita Pucinskaite, Team Nobili Rubinetterie Menikini Cogeas, 2.08″.09

Points Ranking ( Maglia Ciclamino)
1. Nicole Braendli, Team Bigla, 2.06’’.39, 15 pts
2. Chantal Beltman, Team Vrienden Van Het Platten, 2.07’’.29, 12 pts
3. Edita Pucinskaite, Team Nobili Rubinetterie Menikini Cogeas, 2.08″.09, 10 pts

Yougest rider ranking (Maglia Bianca)
Katherine Bates, National Australian Team