Right after the finish line, a smiling Elisa Balsamo commented: "I'm really very happy to have won while wearing the pink jersey. Over the last two weeks I thought about and hoped to win so I could dedicate this victory to my uncle. I have to thank my teammates so much – they worked hard and very intensely throughout the stage, allowing me to achieve this result. It's a fantastic day".

Reflecting on the sprint, Elisa said: "I was completely focused on the finish line, I knew that all my rivals could come up behind me, I knew I had to push all the way past the line. I was feeling good and I'm really happy with my sprint".

The Piedmontese rider from Lidl Trek also looked ahead to tomorrow: "I know the route, I've done the reconnaissance and I know the final section is a bit undulating. It will be a tough stage but, as I said, I know I can count on excellent teammates. We'll try to do our best".