Anna van der Breggen wins the time trial to take the overall Giro d’Italia lead

Dutch rider Anna van der Breggen claimed victory in the 12.7km individual time trial to take the leader’s pink jersey at the women’s Giro d’Italia.

The four-time Giro champion won the fourth stage in 31 minutes 38 seconds, with reigning world trials champion Marlene Reusser one minute four seconds behind in second place and third-placed Demi Völlering a further six seconds behind.

“I didn’t expect it,” van der Breggen said. “This performance is a surprise.”

Van der Breggen won the Giro d’Italia in 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2021 and his fourth stage victory gave him a one minute four second advantage over Reusser in the overall standings, with five stages to go.

“I have to defend this jersey, it won’t be easy,” said van der Breggen, who is aiming to equal Fabiana Luperini’s record five wins at the event.

“The mountains are coming. Rain is forecast for the next few days.”