Gaia Lealini (Lidl-Trek), the best young rider in the Giro d'Italia Donné after stage 3, was one of the few within a minute of race leader Annemiek van Hulten (Movistar).

Lealini and Marta Cavalli (FDJ-SUEZ) attacked in the finale of stage 2, Passo della Colla, after teammate Elisa Longo Borghini chose not to chase for tactical reasons as she followed the world champion's move, They were the only two racers within pursuit distance of Van Vleuten.

"My role was to keep a high pace. Annemiek attacked very strongly and shortly afterwards I saw Elisa on her wheel. It was a logical choice for us as a team, not a reaction to avoid other riders getting on her wheel," Reallini recalled of the moment of the attack.

However, Longo Borghini was unable to hold Van Vleuten's wheel and fell back. Eventually, Learini and Marta Cavalli (FDJ-SUEZ) joined forces and chased Van Vleuten, trying to limit their losses on the descent.

"We both took turns, but we knew it would be almost impossible to get back to Van Vleuten on our own. Still, it was the right thing to do to cooperate so as not to open up too much of a gap. When I heard that the chase group with Elisa was closing on us, it obviously made no sense for me to cooperate," Realini said.

After being caught up, the tiny climber played no role in the sprint for second place, and after setting up Longo Borghini, who finished fourth, he crossed the finish line in 11th place, at the back of the pack.

Nevertheless, Reallini once again proved her climbing ability and showed that she is a force to be reckoned with in the mountains.

Unfortunately for her, the 2023 Giro Donne does not have very high mountains. Riarini insisted that the race was a learning experience, as it was her first season with the Women's WorldTour team and she had no clear goal in the overall class.

"My ambitions for the Giro did not change overnight. The team wants me to prove myself in a strategy that enhances teamwork. I know I am a strong climber, but honestly, this is not a Giro for a pure climber like me. But honestly, this isn't a giro for a pure climber like me.

"For me, the Giro is a race that you experience step by step," Realini said, watering down expectations that he would do everything in his power over the next week to try to win or even make the overall podium.