The Giro Rosa got underway with a 16.8km team time trial in Grosseto. The podium order was as expected before the race, with Trek-Segafredo winning, followed by Boels Dolmans and Mitchelton Scott.

Aside from Trek's dominating victory with an average speed of 50.1 km/h, the outstanding performance on this stage was by the Continental team, which finished just 5 seconds off the podium and 10 seconds behind the winner, outpacing the six WorldTour teams.

The Swiss Continental team has had many top finishes in the past. Since the team changed sponsors during the shutdown, American Leah Thomas has finished third in Strade Bianche and British rider Lizzie Banks has finished second in GP Plouay.

Team leader Clara Koppenburg was forced to pull out at the last minute due to a foot injury. Former Giro stage winner Lizzie Banks said the team was forced to reassess its goals for the race.

"We quickly changed our plans and we had slightly different ambitions for this Tour than we would have had otherwise.

As for the team members Paule Ka will be racing, she said, "It's a pretty dynamic Giro and we have a pretty dynamic team.

She suggested that the absence of the GC leader means more chances for stage wins, adding, "Of course, we are sad to lose Clara and we hope she recovers quickly.

Banks admitted that while she was disappointed to miss out on the podium, the team's fourth place finish was much better than expected for a small team.

"I think it's a really strong performance for a small continental team, and when you look at the preparation that a team like Canyon-SRAM put into the TTT and the amount of money they can spend compared to a small team like us, it's something to be really, really proud of."

While all eyes may be on the main GC contenders starting tomorrow, the Continental teams are certainly one to watch as well.

For full reports, results, news, features, and galleries from the 2020 Giro Rosa, visit Cycling News' dedicated women's page (opens in new tab).