This year, Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl Trek) will compete in the Giro d'Italia Women for the 13th time since her first appearance in 2011. During this time, she has only worn the Maria Rosa once, after she and her team finished first in the TTT that opened the 2020 event.

Four years later in Brescia, the Italian champion once again wore the Maria Rosa, and her joy was clear on her face in a television interview after receiving the pink leader's jersey.

"It's really exciting. Maybe today is the only time I will wear this jersey. I just want to enjoy it and race as hard as I can with my teammates. I'm very emotional right now.

The second stage from Sirmione to Volta Mantovana is expected to be a sprint affair, but Longo Borghini is not taking the maglia rosa for granted. [The Giro is long, I want to go for the GC, but I could lose it because second place [Grace Brown] is less than a second behind. Tomorrow will be another day and I want to enjoy this Maglia Rosa to the fullest," she said.

Unlike other season-opening time trials, where the big names start from the back of the pack, many of the GC favorites chose to start early to avoid the predicted afternoon showers.

"We looked at the weather forecast and there was a chance of rain in the middle of the afternoon, so we made this choice on purpose," explained Longo Borghini in the media mix zone.

"I was never very confident before the time trial, but I thought about the pacing and followed it. It's a very good result," he laughed.

Despite winning the individual time trial, Longo Borghini pointed out that it was not only his own efforts that brought him the victory and thanked his team staff.

"It's not just my victory. It is thanks to all the people who have supported me behind the scenes. Soignier, Physio, the sports directors, everyone is preparing for the time trial. I really appreciate all the staff at Lidl Trek.

Longo Borghini started the competition as the overall favorite. Only eight times has an Italian won the Giro d'Italia women's race, five of which were won by Fabiana Ruppellini.

Cycling News has selected the top riders of note who will be competing in the 2024 Giro d'Italia women's race.

See Cycling News' race report, results, photo gallery, news, and race analysis of the 2024 Giro d'Italia Women.