Faulkner was caught on the uphill Santa Caterina street before the finish line and was unable to leave any strength to hold on after running the last 32 km alone.
"It was a really rough finish," Faulkner told Cycling News after crossing the finish line in Siena.
"I was pretty gassed and my legs were starting to cramp. I gave it my all, but it wasn't enough to win."
"I'm happy to be on the podium, I'm just happy to be here.
Faulkner, who was originally scheduled to compete in Strade Bianche as a reserve, said that Jayco Aroura's main objective was for her to attack before the fifth sector of San Martino in Grania.
However, the unpredictability of Strade Bianche makes it difficult for plans made on the team bus to become reality in the grueling Stellati.
Faulkner said that minutes before she was scheduled to perform her feat, she was involved in a crash and had to unclip; she spent most of the 9.5 km sector in the back, rather than in the front as she had hoped, desperately chasing through the dust that the convoy was rolling up.
"I definitely felt like it wasn't a race for me anymore," Faulkner said.
"So I'm going to attack and hopefully make the other teams chase me. I was able to stick around a little longer than I expected.
The American took advantage of a confused and tired peloton and attacked with around 32km to go, catching then lone leader Carline Swinkels (Jumbo Visma) and eventually dropping her a few kilometers later.
As Siena approached, Faulkner built a nearly two-minute lead and began to dream of victory.
"I knew it was possible," Faulkner admitted.
"I just gave it my all and tried to stay calm. I pushed because it was possible, but I didn't get ahead of myself."
"It's a shame," Faulkner said.
Unfortunately, that was not to be for the American. Faulkner was caught by Volering and Kopecky on the final steep climb.
"I was like, 'Shit!' I was like," Faulkner laughed. Faulkner laughed.
"My legs were in full cramp at that point. I thought I had given everything I could. But I came out strong at the end. I think it was a great day for the whole team."
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