After riding her way into the leader’s jersey during stage 5 of the 2013 Giro Rosa on Thursday, Mara Abbott (Exergy TWENTY 16) sealed her overall victory in the Italian stage race on Sunday.
Racing for the USA Cycling National Development Program (NDP), Abbott soloed to victory during Thursday’s 73.3-kilometer fifth stage. She then added more than a minute to her overall lead by winning again in Friday’s stage six. During Sunday’s 16-kilometer individual time trial, Abbott only lost minimal time, finishing 2:10 off the pace of stage winner Eleonora Van Dijk (NED) to keep the number-one spot in the general classification and bring home the Maglia Rosa.
“I can finally say I managed to do it! Thanks goes to my team, the public and all those who believed in me,” Abbott said after the podium presentations. “Now, I’ll have an ice-cream, pack my stuff and fly back home where I’ll celebrate with my family and friends. I’ll be back to the Giro to try to be the best once again and to feel the warmth of the Italian fans.”
The 27-year-old Abbott bested Italian time trial champion Tatiana Guderzo who finished second overall, and 2009 Maglia Rosa, Claudia Hausler (GER), who finished third.
Abbott credits her success to the group effort of her USA Cycling teammates Andrea Dvorak, Lauren Tamayo, Lauren Hall, Brianna Walle, Ruth Winder, Kristin McGrath and Janel Holcomb.
“Today was a wonderful way to finish off a great team event with taking home a pink jersey,” said U.S. Team Director Jack Seehafer. “All the ladies rose to the occasion and executed their jobs in a professional manner. For myself this is very exciting to see, and builds great momentum for the rest of the season.”
