Filippo Ganna started the Olympic Games time-trial as a big favourite, he was there together with Remco Evenepoel and Joshua Tarling. He rode to a second place, naturally not what he hoped for but at the same time not a bad outcome taking into consideration the rainy conditions and his near-crash.
“I’m very happy because I’m not very good in the rain. But I tried to follow my dream and keep the right pace. I’m happy with my performance today," Ganna said in a post-race interview. "I have to thank the staff because since the beginning of the season they’ve been helping me to achieve this result. I also have to thank my coach because he’s the one who believes in me. Coming second hurts a bit, but tonight we’re going to celebrate.”
It's mixed feelings for the Italian who lost 15 seconds to Remco Evenepoel over the 32 kilometers. All of them in the first two thirds, as in the final part of the time-trial Ganna even took back some seconds. He was able to go through Wout van Aert in the final intermediate and defend himself against INEOS teammate Joshua Tarling who punctured early in the day.
This was despite an incredible moment where he lost control of the bike and was within centimeters of crashing against the barriers at speed. “It was very close. I don’t know what happened exactly. Maybe I had an angel on my shoulder that prevented a big crash," he said.
“We did the reconnaissance in very good weather. It was dry and quite warm. Now the conditions are completely different. Maybe it would have been better to do a high-speed reconnaissance in wet conditions this morning, but in the end everyone had to ride the same ride. I’m happy," the Italian concluded.
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