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In a dramatic turn of events at the Giro d’Italia Women, two of the sport’s top stars, Marlen Reusser and Lotte Kopecky, made headlines for unfortunate reasons during Thursday’s stage.
Marlen Reusser’s On-Road Altercation
Race leader Marlen Reusser (Movistar) found herself in hot water after an incident in the final 300 meters of the sprint into Monselice. Reusser was cited for “intimidation, insults directed to a rider, and behavior that endangers others” following an altercation with Katia Ragusa of Human Powered Health. Video footage shows Reusser appearing to lash out with her arm toward Ragusa as they jockeyed for position in the chaotic final kilometer.
It remains unclear whether Reusser made physical contact with Ragusa or if it was a gesture of frustration. Regardless, she was handed a yellow card, docked 30 UCI points, and fined 750 CHF (approximately $940 USD), marking one of the harshest penalties issued in women’s cycling this season.
The incident occurred during a tense moment in the race, where Ragusa appeared to struggle to hold her position, forcing Reusser to close gaps repeatedly. The altercation took place just before the camera shifted to Lorena Wiebes, who won the stage.
Reusser, who currently leads the general classification by 16 seconds, will need to avoid further incidents in the final three stages. Under new UCI regulations, a second yellow card would result in her ejection from the race. The Swiss rider will now focus on defending her pink jersey while staying clear of controversy.
Lotte Kopecky’s Withdrawal
In another significant development, Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx-Protime) abandoned the Giro d’Italia Women after experiencing back pain during recent stages. Her team announced that the decision was made “as a precaution ahead of the Tour de France Femmes,” with Kopecky set to take three to four days of complete rest to recover.
The Belgian rider, a key contender for the Tour de France Femmes, is expected to fully recover with the recommended rest period. Team SD Worx-Protime’s medical staff confirmed that the discomfort in her lower back should heal in time for her to resume preparations for the upcoming Tour.
Kopecky’s withdrawal is a blow to her Giro campaign but underscores her team’s focus on the Tour de France Femmes, which begins on July 26. The race is set to feature a highly anticipated GC battle between Kopecky, Reusser, Demi Vollering, and Kasia Niewiadoma, among others.
Looking Ahead
Both incidents highlight the intense physical and mental demands of professional cycling, especially during major stage races. Reusser’s altercation serves as a reminder of the high-pressure environment in the race’s final kilometers, while Kopecky’s withdrawal reflects the careful balance teams must strike between performance and athlete health.
As the Giro d’Italia Women enters its final stages, all eyes will be on Reusser as she defends her lead and avoids further penalties. Meanwhile, Kopecky’s recovery will be closely watched as she prepares for one of the season’s most prestigious events, the Tour de France Femmes. Both riders remain key figures in women’s cycling, and their performances in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the 2024 season.
