‘I was chronically ill’ – Reusser wins first stage of Women’s Giro

Swiss rider Marlen Reusser stormed to victory in the opening stage of the Women’s Giro d’Italia, less than a year after fearing for her career following a bout of long Covid.

The Movistar rider topped the standings with a time of 17 minutes 22 seconds in a 14. 2km individual time trial through Bergamo.

Reusser had her 2024 season decimated and missed the Paris Olympics after being diagnosed with the respiratory condition, which left her “chronically ill”.

“Last spring I was ill for two weeks and just kept getting worse,” Reusser said.

“We couldn’t figure out what was wrong. In June, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, I tried getting back on the bike, but I had a fever that would spike one day and drop the next.

“In August, I was diagnosed with long Covid. I couldn’t believe it and struggled to accept it.

“I was chronically ill. I was scared, because I know there are people who never recover from it. “

The 33-year-old did recover and showed signs of returning to her best in finishing second at the Spanish Vuelta in May.

She has now followed that up by claiming her first stage victory at the Women’s Giro on her third appearance at the Grand Tour.

“Ever since the route was announced I was really excited that the Giro would start with a time trial, and now I’m over the moon,” added Reusser.

“I still can’t quite believe I’ll be wearing the maglia rosa – it’s truly been an amazing day. “

Belgium’s Lotte Kopecky, last year’s runner-up, was 12 seconds adrift in second with 2024 champion Elisa Longo Borghini of Italy also making it on to the podium.

1. Marlen Reusser (Swi/Movistar) 17 mins 22 secs

2. Lotte Kopecky (Bel/SD Worx-Protime) +12secs

3. Elisa Longo Borghini (Ita/Team ADQ) +16secs

4. Anna van der Breggen (Ned/SD Worx-Protime) +20secs

5. Lieke Nooijen (Ned/Visma-Lease A Bike) +24secs

6. Anna Henderson (GBR/Lidl-Trek) +27secs

7. Christina Schweinberger (Aut/Fenix-Deceuninck) +30secs

8. Alessia Vigilia (Ita/FDJ-Suez) +40secs

9. Monica Trinca Colonel (Ita/Liv-Alula-Jayco) +41secs