Quebecer Clara Émond won the fourth stage of the Italian Women’s Tour on Wednesday, securing her first career victory among professionals.
The 27-year-old cyclist from Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges completed the 134km stage from Imola to Urbino in three hours, 35 minutes and 45 seconds, crossing the finish line 17 seconds ahead of Italy’s Soraya Paladin.
Émond occupies the 27the rank in the cumulative ranking of this competition totaling eight stages and 876.7 km which will culminate on Sunday.
Italian Elisa Longo Borghini, a double Olympic bronze medallist in road cycling, dominates the general classification.
Émond took control of the climbers’ standings.
“This is my first stage win and it’s very special to win it here at the Giro,” said Émond, who is in her second year as a professional rider. “It feels great and I’m proud of all the teamwork. It will help me gain confidence, which I’ve been lacking so far because I haven’t had any good results so far. I guess my career can change after today, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.”
Émond had just passed her bar exam and was just starting her legal career when she took up her cycling career during the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to working from home. She became a professional cyclist in 2023 and, while pursuing a master’s degree in sports law, she wore the best climber’s jersey and finished second in the Women’s Tour of Spain.
She also took part in the Women’s Tour de France.
To see in video