"I for sure didn’t expect that it was possible" - Andreas Leknessund finishes Giro d'Italia on a high as he moves up to 8th in the GC

In a breakthrough performance at the Giro d'Italia, Andreas Leknessund outshone even his wildest expectations and secured himself a first-ever top-10, Grand Tour placing with a solid individual time-trial on stage 20.

“I came to the Giro with no expectations, I just wanted to race on the attack and get through the race in a good way," says the Team DSM rider to his team's official website following the conclusion of a dramatic stage in Italy. "Then on stage four getting the pink jersey which was incredible, and since then turning that into riding for the GC, which wasn’t the original plan, and I for sure didn’t expect that it was possible. It’s been a tough three weeks but also really nice with the team here. To finish with a top ten, considering everything and my expectations before the Giro, it is hard to describe; I’m really happy.”

The stage was eventually won by Primoz Roglic who also claimed the Maglia Rosa from Geraint Thomas. For Team DSM coach Matt Winston, the 2023 Giro d'Italia will be remembered as a great success courtesy of Leknessund's impressive performances.

“It was a really good for us. To come top ten on a stage like that is a credit to Andreas and the hard work he has put in, but also all our staff at the race and those back at HQ who have worked hard to make sure everything was prepared in a good way to achieve a result like this," he says. "Perfect equipment, perfect preparation and to come top ten in a stage like that is really nice, and to secure a top ten GC overall in a good way. I’m really happy. We go to Rome now, and we still have a job to do there tomorrow with our sprint guys.”