Canadian cyclist Clara Emond wins Stage 4 of Giro d'Italia Women for 1st pro victory

Canadian Clara Emond has won Stage 4 of the Giro d'Italia Women, posting her first win as a professional rider.

The 27-year-old from Saint-Ferreol-les-Neiges, Que., covered the 134 kilometres from Imola to Urbino, Italy in three hours 35 minutes 45 seconds Wednesday, finishing 17 seconds ahead of Italian Soraya Paladin.

Emond, riding for EF Education-Cannondale, was part of a five-woman breakaway group, eventually shedding her fellow riders to cross the finish line alone.

Emond took over the lead in the Queen of the Mountains standings.

"It's my first win ever and it's very special to achieve it here at the Giro," said Emond, in her second year as a professional racer. "It feels super-good and I am proud of all the teamwork. This will help me to achieve more confidence, I was lacking it as I didn't get any top results until now.

"I guess my career can change after today and I am looking forward to it."