Giro d'Italia women 2026 start list & drop-outs | Four more riders out on Stage 5

While the Giro d’Italia for men was nearing its end, the women were just getting their race through Italy underway. The Giro d’Italia Women covers nine stages across the peninsula. In de Leiderstrui lists the riders and race numbers for you, and keeps track of who has not made it to the finish.

The drama began on day one. First there was a big crash before the peloton had even reached the halfway point of stage one. Around 25 riders hit the deck. Among them were world champion Magdeleine Vallieres of EF Education-Oatly and Clara Emond of St Michel - Preference Home - Auber 93, but they were able to continue.

Cat Ferguson, however, was less fortunate. The British super talent came down badly and had to go to hospital. There, brain damage and skull fractures were ruled out, but she could not continue. The biggest drama came later in the day: Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx-Protime won the opening stage, but was later disqualified. Her bike was said to be too light.

The Dutch champion therefore had to go home. A day later, Karolina Kumiega of St Michel did not make it to the finish either.

On day five, a tough mountain stage was on the menu, which former Giro stage winner Clara Emond (Human Powered Health) did not finish. Additionally, the Greek Argyro Milaki (Aromitalia Vaiano) and the Italian Anita Baima (Isolmant-Premac-Vittoria) were expelled from the race for hanging onto the team car. The latter team also lost Valentina Zanzi.