Dutch rider Anna van der Breggen triumphed in the 12.7km individual time trial, clinching the leader's pink jersey at the women's Giro d'Italia. The four-time Giro champion completed stage four in 31 minutes and 38 seconds, securing her position at the top of the overall standings.

In a competitive field, Marlen Reusser, the world time trial champion, finished in second place, trailing by one minute and four seconds. Demi Vollering rounded out the podium, finishing just six seconds behind Reusser in third.

I didn't expect that one,

Having previously won the Giro d'Italia in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2021, Van der Breggen's latest victory in stage four gives her a significant lead of one minute and four seconds over Reusser with five stages remaining.

I'm going to have to defend this jersey; it won't be easy,

Looking ahead, Van der Breggen noted, "The mountains are coming. There's also rain forecast over the coming days," indicating the challenges that lie ahead in her quest for victory.