Tadej Pogacar did not have too many plans today at the
Giro d'Italia. The
UAE Team Emirates rider only let himself race in the wheels, and ticked off another day in the race lead - and one less to reach Rome with a first Giro win.
UAE did not try to control the breakaway today, with Valentin Paret-Peintre taking the stage win and two riders entering the Top10. Pogacar followed the wheels of Bahrain - Victorious as they looked to set Antonio Tiberi up for an attack on the final ascent - whilst cutting the gap to the front groups.
“Another day crossed off. Bahrain Victorious had to work, they kept a good pace. [Antonio] Tiberi showed again, just like on Prato di Tivo, that he has very good legs: his attacks are really strong," Pogacar said in a post-race interview. "Today he was able to take some time on competitors and I think we will see more of him in the coming days." Overall, a relaxed Pogacar, who only had to follow his rivals to the line, Ben O'Connor sprinted to try and make a difference towards the line, leading the group where the pink jersey finished.
Pogacar is thinking of the title and looking not to burn more matches then necessary, keeping an eye on the Tour de France. “Of course we have to see how things go day by day, but I'm looking forward to Saturday's time trial anyway," he added. "The Livigno stage (15, ed.) will also be fantastic on Sunday.”
