“For my first experience being leader, I feel very satisfied" - Antonio Tiberi enters final week of Giro d'Italia in unchartered territory

Taking his first crack at the general classification in a Grand Tour, Bahrain - Victorious' Antonio Tiberi has acquitted himself exquisitely so far. With the 2024 Giro d'Italia reaching its second rest day, the 22-year-old Italian is 5th in the GC and wearing the Best Young Rider's jersey.

"Honestly, at the beginning I didn't expect to be in this position. I've done everything well, the condition was good, but it's my first Giro d'Italia and my first Grand Tour as leader, so it's all new for me. Now I am very happy to be in this position," Tiberi reflects in his rest day press conference ahead of a key final week of racing. “For my first experience being leader, I feel very satisfied. I'm achieving and the position I'm in now. Let's say that I'm enjoying it more, it's an environment, an atmosphere that I had never felt before, the support, the attention that is given to me. I try not to get caught up in anxiety or pressure, but to use it to energize myself and enjoy the moment."

Currently 2:30 off the third place, Tiberi will need a brilliant stage to secure a podium and at 9:26 down on Maglia Rosa Tadej Pogacar, he like all the rest of the GC challengers seem content to fight amongst themselves for the remainder of the race. "It is not a first place occupied by a random name. We all know how strong Tadej is," Tiberi assesses honestly. "Already he has an advantage of almost seven minutes at the end of the second week. I must say that it is now almost impossible to aspire to the top step."

Given the Maglia Rosa's dominance, aiming for a stage win is also difficult for Tiberi, as in Merckxesque style, Pogacar seems intent on sweeping up everything on offer. "Being fifth in the general classification, it is difficult for your opponents to leave you space to challenge for a stage victory," he says. "I would like to try it in a challenging or uphill stage, but in these stages the opponents I have are many and strong and above all there is Tadej who showed us that when there is an uphill finish he always wants to say the least. he. So let's say that for now, that is not the goal."

“Fifth place is the objective we set ourselves with the team at the start of the Giro. Now I'm fifth and there's a week to go," the former Tour de Hongri stage winner concludes, content but yet still determined. "Right now, I would sign to get to Rome like this because it would mean getting there having achieved what was the initial objective."