Gaia Realini (Trek-Segafredo): “This is only the beginning”

May 7 ^th 2023 - 17:02 [GMT + 2]

Because of how La Vuelta Femenina had panned out by the end of the third stage, on which I lost some time because of the win, I didn’t expect to be up there in the GC despite that being our initial goal. We never stopped believing as a team, and I’m very happy about it. The Lagos de Covadonga has made me think of the Passo Lanciano, a climb near my home on which I train and undertake my performance tests. I’ve had lots of fun: it’s a beautiful climb! There was an opportunity for me to win the stage, but in the last kilometre the fatigue kicked in. I am very happy that my team has protected me all the way to the last climb, and I feel very thankful towards them. From here on, I just want to improve. This is only the beginning… And I’m very happy.