Gaia Masetti will start her second Grand Tour of the season today: after competing in the Vuelta España Femenina where she made her mark by attacking on the stage finishing in Nava, the 24-year-old from Modena at Picnic PostNL is ready for her fourth Giro d'Italia Women in her career.

Reached by phone by tuttobiciweb on the eve of the "Corsa Rosa," Gaia tells us that the Dutch team will approach this Giro somewhat differently than planned at the start of the year: "The unfortunate accident involving Eleonora at the Vuelta (Ciabocco was forced to withdraw from the Spanish race after a crash in which she suffered multiple fractures, ed.) means we arrive at the Giro without a reference point for the general classification, but it's also true that this way we can focus on daily objectives. We'll attack and hunt for stage wins."

Speaking about her approach to the Giro, Masetti states: "After the Vuelta I had confirmation that I would also do the Giro. I've prepared with commitment and all things considered, with some highs and a few lows, I'm happy with the work I've done. We'll see how it goes, I'm pleased to be at the 'Corsa Rosa' and I'm ready to do my best for the team."

While it's clear that today and tomorrow Picnic PostNL will race with the objective of positioning Rachele Barbieri in the best position to contest the sprints in Ravenna and Caorle, Monday could be a favorable day for Masetti. "The route of the third stage (which will start from Bibione and finish in Buja, ed.) suits me and it's the one that best fits my characteristics, if there's an opportunity I'll try," says Gaia.

In addition to Masetti and Barbieri, the Picnic PostNL roster for this Giro d'Italia Women also includes: Clay, Georgie, Storrie, Roldan and Nelson.