Wiebes wins opening stage of women's Giro d'Italia but gets disqualified

Dutch cyclist Lorena Wiebes won the first stage of the women's Giro d'Italia from Cesenatico to Ravenna, but was then disqualified. The 139-kilometre stage victory went to another rider.

The women's Giro d'Italia, Italy's women's cycling tour, started on Saturday with a 139-kilometre opening stage from Cesenatico to Ravenna, which saw Dutch cyclist Lorena Wiebes from Team SD Worx - Protime cross the finish line as the apparent winner.

Wiebes's joy at victory was short-lived, however, as the rider was disqualified after the finish. The exact reason for the disqualification is unknown, but such decisions are typically made for rule violations during the sprint or improper use of the racing line.

Due to the disqualification, the opening stage victory goes to the next rider to cross the finish line. The women's Giro d'Italia is one of the most important stage races in women's cycling worldwide, and the result of the opening stage sets the tone for the rest of the competition.