"During the climb Isaac could have offered a little help" - UAE DS Gianetti admits errors in Finestre stage tactics

The queen stage of the Giro d'Italia took place this Saturday and after almost two weeks of controlling the Giro d'Italia, UAE Team Emirates - XRG lost it. Mauro Gianetti, who was behind Isaac del Toro in the team car, admits that there were some mistakes that allowed Simon Yates to take the pink jersey.

“We have to look at the Giro from two sides. On the one hand, it is clear that we could have won the Giro. Yesterday we could have done better. That is clear, but we have to analyze it. It is always easy to make an analysis in hindsight," he said in an honest interview with Eurosport.

"But at the same time I think we should be proud of our Giro, we controlled this race for so many stages. The team was great. Isaac is discovering himself and we are discovering a new champion here. This is an important positive point.”

The breakthrough of the Mexican is great news for the Emirati team, but in one day they saw the overall victory escape to their main rival team. A lot was due to the tactics on the day, where Visma had Wout van Aert in the breakaway and UAE did not send anyone - whilst also not being able to support Del Toro when he was attacked.

“A rider in the breakaway could have helped, but there is only one like Wout van Aert. No one else can do that. It is difficult to say, but during the climb Isaac could have offered a little help," Gianetti points out. "But he was also on the limit. Afterwards you no longer have pain in your legs, then you think you could have done more. But in a race it is different.”

Richard Carapaz attacked Del Toro countless times during the Alpine ascent, and the 21-year old's reluctance to work then led to Carapaz taking the decision to not collaborate after the climb. This is what truly made the difference and saw the gap rise uncontrollably.

“It is what it is. We also have to be honest that Simon Yates' performance was great. That first of all. From our side we could see that Isaac's power figures were very, very, very good. But yes, someone in the breakaway could have made the difference, if that had been possible.”

A second place is what the team leaves Rome with, and Juan Ayuso's situation will also be determined. But as for Del Toro, his position in the team's hierarchy has definitely grown. "He still has a lot of margin and is only 21 years old. We can expect a lot. This is your new status, I told him. You will race at this level for the coming years. The motivation for next year is already there. He also realized that he could win the Giro.”

“He is 21 and strong, but it is our responsibility to let him grow step by step. And we have other riders in the team, who we also have to give opportunities. He has time and it is important to bring this talent quietly. We did that with Ayuso. He is also a great talent. We give everyone opportunities, but also time to recover.”