With Tadej Pogačar (UAE Group Emirates) in complete management of the maglia rosa, the battle for the rostrum would be the race to observe in the course of the third week of the Giro d’Italia, creating an interesting race throughout the race.
Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) is 6:41 down on Pogačar after the Slovenian’s dominant solo victory at Livigno on Sunday, a margin not seen at this level of the race since Eddy Merckx dominated the 1973 Corsa rosa.
Nevertheless, Dani Martínez (Bora-Hansgrohe) is just 15 seconds down on the Welshman and Ben O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R) is fourth at 1:02 from Thomas.
All three are skilled Grand Tour riders so the struggle for the ultimate podium locations may final all the best way to subsequent Saturday’s double ascent of Monte Grappa.
Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) is fifth total at 9:26, with Thymen Arensman (Ineos Grenadiers) sixth at 9:45 and a risk to Tiberi’s greatest younger rider’s white jersey.
Romain Bardet (Dsm-firmenich PostNL) is a distant 10:49 however is a risk and the Frenchman is wanting ahead to the ultimate week within the mountains and desires to make up for a poor first week of the Giro.
These riders will race one another, slightly than fear about any assaults from Pogačar or breakaway riders, simply as they did on the Passo di Foscagno on Sunday. It is going to be a strategic sport of nerves and efficiency, beginning with Tuesday’s mountain end in Santa Cristina Val Gardena on the sting of the Dolomites.
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Thomas stored a low profile on the second relaxation day in Livigno however hoped to relaxation up earlier than the double-header of mountain finishes on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We have performed nicely thus far on this race however it’s two tremendous laborious days straight after the remaining day, so we have simply bought to attempt to be prepared for that,” he stated on Sunday past the end line.
O’Connor spoke by way of video name on Monday after preferring to remain heat and rapidly head down from the Mottolino ski station by way of cable automobile on Sunday. The Australian was indignant to lose even eight seconds to Thomas and Martinez and is up for a struggle within the mountains.
“I am not afraid in any respect. The mountains are the place I carry out my greatest, so I’ve to be prepared, ready, and see if I can get a while again to finish up on the rostrum. If not, then so be it. However I will strive my greatest to take action,” he stated.
“It is solely a minute between me and Dani, so it’s totally open, and you’ve got fairly a number of very, very laborious phases. So I don’t suppose something is out of the query.
“The ultimate week is the crunch time of the Giro, as at all times. You must be at your greatest. Hopefully, I give it my all, and you then’ll see the place you find yourself whenever you get to Rome.”
24 hours after the Livigno stage end, O’Connor had a extra appreciative view of his efficiency and he has projected that ahead to the remainder of the week. No day is extra crucial than stage 17, which finishes on the summit of the Passo Brocon and contains 4 main climbs in simply 159 km.
“I did not really feel 100%, however that was most likely resulting from Saturday’s time trial. I managed to restrict the harm and in the long run, I’m proud of the end result. It was one in all my hardest days on the bike, so to nonetheless carry out nicely is an effective sign,” he stated.
“I believe most likely the Brocon stage might be the day that fits me the most effective. It is steady, up and down within the mountains. I believe that that is sufficient to actually create some fairly massive gaps. That is the day I am most likely wanting ahead to most.
“I believe Tadej will most likely journey a bit bit extra defensive as a result of he’s bought such a giant lead. So it is as much as us, Bora and Ineos to struggle for these two last podium locations in Rome.”
Martinez has additionally been finding out the phases of the ultimate week carefully.
He’s in a Grand Tour management position for the primary time in his profession however helped Egan Bernal win the 2021 Giro d’Italia. He has the prospect of a lifetime to complete on the rostrum.
“I nonetheless really feel good, though I’m a bit drained. However I am wanting ahead to the ultimate week of this Giro,” he stated throughout a video name.
“It’ll be particularly vital to carry out persistently, that’s the key. I nonetheless really feel calm in the intervening time and I’m having fun with my time right here.
“Tuesday’s stage will likely be essential after which there’s the final mountain stage over Monte Grappa. That’s the hardest stage of this Giro. Monte Grappa is a one-hour climb.
“Within the subsequent few days, it’s going to be vital to race sensibly and wait on your second. I labored laborious for this Giro and the aim was to complete on the rostrum however Rome remains to be distant.”
