"I expected him to win, but he won with a bigger margin than I thought" - João Almeida happy with third but surprised with Evenepoel dominance

Joao Almeida was the best of the mortals in the opening time trial of the Giro d'Italia, being only beaten by Remco Evenepoel and Filippo Ganna at the finish line. The Portuguese has confirmed with this third place that he is one of the great favorites to finish on the final podium and perhaps fight for the victory.

He acknowledged after the race that his performance was above what he expected: "A little above what I expected, I know my abilities but I'm a little surprised with the time I did, but it confirms the work that the team is doing, we are very happy".

About Remco Evenepoel, the Portuguese UAE Team Emirates rider said he expected him to take the win, but not with such a big gap to the rest. In any case, he was very satisfied with the work of his team. The Portuguese was in the hot seat until his teammate dethroned him, and finished 29 seconds down on the day.

"I expected him to win, but he won with a bigger margin than I thought. Great job, he deserves it. It is important to start with a good feeling, to make a good start, I think we are in a good position," Almeida, who will wear the young rider's jersey tomorrow, concluded.