Filippo Ganna: "I would definitely like to wear the first pink jersey, but I can't know who will win before the finish"

Filippo Ganna has not had the best of seasons in 2022 but has successfully bounced back. After a successful block of spring classics he now returns to his main specialty the time-trials, and as he returns to the Giro d'Italia he looks to relive his glorious days of the past.

“At the moment I feel good. I'm confident in my legs, then we'll see how I feel on Saturday when I wake up. Fingers crossed for the jersey on day one. If we had a crystal ball we would know how things are going, but we have to wait until Saturday to find out," Ganna told reporters at a press conference ahead of the Grande Partenza, which will feature a 19.9-kilometer mostly flat time-trial where he will be a big favourite.

In his Giro debut back in 2020 Ganna won a whole four stages including three time-trials. The Italian single handedly won all five TT's in the 2020 and 2021 editions, with two World titles in the discipline in those years as well. His dominance is no longer, however the INEOS Grenadiers rider has gotten his spark back, taking the Hour Record last year, performing really well now in the spring and at the Vuelta a San Juan, but also dominating the Tirreno-Adriatico time-trial.

World Champion Remco Evenepoel suggested the Italian would be the man to beat this Saturday. "Remco always says this, but then he's always strong and maybe wins," Ganna replies. "At this point I too say that the favorites are Kung, Remco and Roglic for the first pink jersey. I would definitely like to wear the first pink jersey, but I can't know who will win before the finish."

Although stage 9 will suit Ganna better with a pan-flat time-trial, the opening day won't be too different. The finale in Ortona is slightly uphill however in gradients similar to the Poggio di Sanremo where he thrived back in March.

“The first time trial is more regular, with fewer bends. Next up is a less suitable climb for me. We'll see how things go, but I'd still like to try and do well in both. It won't be obvious to get a result, but I'll try. I hope I don't have to work too much," he jokes. "But if it is necessary to work for the team, for the captains, Filippo will certainly do it".