\n<\/p>\n
Home favourite Elisa Longo Borghini said she was “lost for words” after winning the Women’s Giro d’Italia for the second year running.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Italian, riding for UAE Team ADQ, finished fourth on the final stage to secure the pink jersey.<\/p>\n
Having only taken the race lead on the penultimate stage, Longo Borghini was 18 seconds clear of nearest challenger Marlen Reusser of Movistar in the general classification.<\/p>\n
Australian Sarah Gigante of AG Insurance-Soudal Team completed the podium.<\/p>\n
“I’m lost for words. This Giro was intense, packed with emotions, unforgettable,” said Longo Borghini.<\/p>\n
“I knew I was going to have to give everything and that’s what I did. Cycling is full of highs and lows, and moments like this make the sacrifice worthwhile.”<\/p>\n
Liane Lippert, also of Movistar, won the extremely hilly 134km eighth and final stage from Forli to Imola.<\/p>\n
The German beat SD Worx-Protime’s Anna van der Breggen in a two-up sprint finish.<\/p>\n
Although Reusser got ahead of Longo Borghini for third, the four-second time bonus was not enough for the Swiss rider.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n