Lidl-Trek had plenty to celebrate after a hugely successful eight days of racing at the Giro d'Italia Women. The team announced major management changes during the race but that news seemed to galvanise the riders.
The German team won the team prize, four stage wins, the best young rider's white jersey with Isabella Holmgren and the red points thanks to Elisa Balsamo's sprint victories. Niamh Fisher-Black also moved up to fifth overall thanks to being in the decisive attack on the final stage around Saluzzo.
The team lost Shirin van Anrooij before stage 4, but Fleur Moors, Lucinda Brand and Amanda Spratt, who was riding her last Giro before retirement, stepped up to help the team leaders on all terrains.
Demi Vollering (FDJ United-SUEZ) celebrated overall victory and also won the blue mountains jersey but Lidl-Trek spent far more time on the final podium.
"It's no coincidence that we won the team classification," Fisher-Black said in praise of her teammates.
"It's been a really good week for us. Four stage wins is a huge success, then our young rider Bella did a performance she can be proud of.
"We had a strong team and we were always in good position with the cards we played for the GC, the sprints and even the day Lucinda Brand went on the attack. Hope we can carry the motivation for the next races."
Niamh Fisher-Black moved up the GC day after day, carefully benefiting from the Vollering-Anna Van der Breggen battle. She joined Elisa Longo Borghini (UAE Team ADQ) on the early climb and then tried to win the stage.
"Vollering that Van der Breggen were looking at each other, so it was a good moment to go," the Kiwi explained, only regretting her final sprint.
"There was a big race happening behind us but I just thought about the stage win. Unfortunately I had to accept second place but what Elisa Longo Borghini did was incredible. Sprinting is not my forte but I was happy how I did it."
Isabella Holmgren impressed on Saturday's mountain stage that ended on the Colle delle Finestre, using her gravel skills and determination to finish second behind Vollering. She slipped to seventh overall on Sunday but comfortably won the white jersey.
"Its nice when you get it a year after being second. I'm happy," the Canadian rider told Eurosport.
"I'm really proud to have won the white jersey. I think the entire Giro of the team was amazing. It was really a great week for the team. We have amazing teammates who can help on the flat and on the climbs, they can do everything.
"After eight days of racing it was a super tough final stage and a long day. But when the team gives everything, I want to give everything to them."
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