“I learned a lot" says Eddie Dunbar after finishing 7th in first Grand Tour GC battle

Although Eddie Dunbar may have dropped two places on the stage 20 time-trial at the Giro d'Italia, a 7th-placed finish in his first Grand Tour as a leader was still an impressive performance for the 26-year-old Irishman.

"In the time-trial I just couldn't take it anymore. I didn't feel completely one hundred percent and paid the price for it," Dunbar recapped to Cycling Pro Net. "I lost two places in the general classification with it, but it is what it is. I just need to get the positive out of it. After all, you can't change much about it."

The former INEOS Grenadiers rider now races for Team Jayco AlUla, finally getting a chance to shine as a team leader. “I learned a lot during this race. But it's not really the time to think about it yet. I'll do that in the weeks after the Giro," he evaluates. 

“It's as stressful as you make it yourself. My teammates also ensured that I got through this Giro without any worries. I think quite a few GC riders were much more stressed than me," Dunbar continues. "In any case, it is one of the most essential things I have learned: keep your nerves under control and you will enjoy it much more."