Last Tuesday the seconds week of the Giro d’Italia (2.UWT) started in the best way thanks to the stage victory of Biniam Girmay in Jesi, concluding fantastic teamwork. The first black African rider to win a Grand Tour stage also obtained five other top five finishes.
Two days after this historical succes, Lorenzo almost repeated the stunt by finishing second in Genova. He was in the breakaway with Rein Taaramäe (9th) and sprinted for the victory, a strong collective performance enabling the World team to reconquer the lead in the team classification.
Just like in the first week, Domenico Pozzovivo and Jan Hirt accompanied the best climbers. The two men finished fifth and eleventh respectively in a particularly intense stage around Turin. On the eve of the final week, the climbers are in fifth and twelfth place in the provisional classification.
On the occasion of the third rest day, Domenico Pozzovivo shared his impressions with the press.
« At the beginning of the season, I was hoping to battle for a top ten in the general classification of the Giro. So I'm very happy with my current position. The final week will be very demanding and no matter what, I'll do what I can to achieve my goal. In order to reach it, I need to be on top of my game every day. » « Among the remaining mountain stages, the one towards Marmolada is probably the most important one. But as we have seen in Turin, decisions can also be made at unexpected moments. I'm confident for the final time trial, in which I maybe can make up some time, because most of my competitors in the current standings are pure climbers. My priority is to accompany the favorites on the most difficult climbs and If I can better my position in GC by attacking, I won't pass up on the opportunity. » « I'm convinced that, collectively, we'll be able to maintain a high level in this last and decisive week. I'm very satisfied about the support I receive from my teammates, we know the capabilities of one another and we communicate well. With Jan Hirt, Lorenzo Rota and Rein Taaramäe we have a strong group of climbers. » « When I reflect on my first participation in 2005, I notice that cycling evolved a lot. The main difference is the daily intensity of the stages which is a lot higher than fifteen years ago. Before, GC riders only battled with each other during four or five stages and the sprint stages followed a traditional scenario with an early breakaway and a royal sprint. Also the preparation takes more energy. I did three training blocks on altitude to prepare for this Giro, whereas in 2005 I only did one training camp. I'm proud that I managed to adapt to this new style of racing and that I am still in the mix with the best GC riders! »
« We built our roster for this Giro around two leaders and two main goals. Next to our chase for a stage victory, we cherished GC ambitions with Domenico Pozzovivo. On this third rest day it looks like our goal of finishing in the top ten is realistic. The explanation for our good favorable position today is that all riders work for each other, no matter whether they are climbers or sprinters. What Domenico did on the day of Biniam's victory was the ultimate proof. All riders are now focused on supporting our Italian climber until Verona, because a lot can still happen in the final week. We want to continue racing aggressively, because it was thanks to this strategy that Lorenzo Rota and Rein Taaramäe finished close to the victory in Genova and on the Etna. »
