Rouleur predicts... Giro Rosa stage 4

It's a marathon 170km day, and Hannah's on a tipping hot streak. She thinks it's one for Marianne Vos again, but a rival could come to the fore

2-minute read Photos: Sean Hardy Words: Andy McGrath

Stage 4: Assisi - Tivoli (170km)

Vos was boss in Assisi - and Hannah Walker called it. She's showing us a clean pair of predicting heels at the moment.

Now, how about tomorrow? Mamma mia, a 170km stage is the longest day of women's racing in many a year. Will the distance take its toll, or is it much ado about nothing?

The latter, according to Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, who told us the other week: "Finally we're being taken seriously - and they don't think our uteruses will fall out if we ride long stages."

Ben Ward

Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon SRAM Racing)

With a hard climb relatively early and then a steep ramp to the finish, this does seem well suited to a mammoth Van Vleuten solo, but I'm hoping that the Pole can keep with her without burning all her matches, keeping enough in reserve to take the victory on the final climb.

Olivia Kaferly

Elisa Longo Borghini (Trek-Segafredo)

On paper, stage 4 looks like a good breakaway stage, but I think Trek will want to control it to set up one of their riders for the win. With all the climbing already in the legs, this one will be too tough for sprinters who can climb, and more for the climbers who can sprint.

That’s why I’ll go with Elisa Longo Borghini. She has proved all season that she is the perfect team-mate and with her third place on day three, she shows she has the legs to take her own opportunities.

Andy McGrath

Anna van der Breggen (Boels-Dolmans)

The distance, rolling terrain and steep ramp at the finish makes me think it'll be this Dutch doyenne who gets off the mark at this Giro after a couple of close misses already.

Hannah Walker

Marianne Vos (CCC Liv)

It’s a 170km race with 12km of neutral, the longest distance I’ve ever seen a women’s race. I know it’s the same as the day before but looking at the finale, for me it’s Marianne Vos again.

The last 500m is very narrow into the town, with cobbles and very technical. Knowing her ability to position herself well, and the explosive power she can produce, she can use the narrow cobbled corners to gap her opponents.