Campbell battles on at Giro Rosa

TT women’s pro cyclist Teniel Campbell finished 66th after completing stage two of the Giro d’Italia Femminile (Giro Rosa) in Grosseto, Italy, on Saturday.

The Valcar Travel & Service representative completed the challenging 124.8-kilometre course in a gruelling four hours, seven minutes and four seconds against 137 other pro road cyclists.

Campbell’s teammate, Marta Cavalli, was her club’s best finisher as she placed 19th overall in three hours, 59 minutes and 34 seconds.

The lengthy distance partnered with blistering sunshine and several uphill climbs took a physical toll on the persistent rider. However, her experience has sparked renewed motivation for the 22-year speedster.

After the race, Campbell posted to her Facebook page stating, “I died, revived and then died again. Hard, hot day in the office. Proud of myself for having the courage to dig deep, keep fighting and not giving up in times of difficulty!

“I had super bad legs and was in a lot discomfort from the start. I started panicking and was like ‘Dammm TC, 10km and your Giro Rosa is finished, no way!’ Thankfully our sport director kept me calm and talked me through it.

“Eventually I found some good legs, a good rhythm and was able to help the team. Then came the final gravel sector, I think I saw hell a bit in that moment but my job was already finished for the day.”

The Giro Rosa continues daily until September 19 with an array of hilly and flat courses.