"I may still rise in the rankings" - Antonio Tiberi full of optimism on first rest day of 2024 Giro d'Italia

The leading Italian in the general classification at the 2024 Giro d'Italia, Antonio Tiberi enters the first rest day 6th overall, just 1:25 of the podium places.

Had it not been for some bad luck however, Tiberi could've been even better placed. "That flat tyre on the way to the Oropa was indeed a shame. Afterwards I showed that I had good legs," the Bahrain - Victorious rider recalls in his rest day press conference. "I have a good feeling, but the Giro is still long and I will try to catch up. If I continue like this, I may still rise in the rankings, but we'll see where we end up."

With co-leader Damiano Caruso falling and losing significant time on the gravel stage, Tiberi is also now the sole GC leader of the Bahrain - Victorious team with full backing for his podium charge. "The team doesn't put any pressure on me, but rather pushes me so that I approach things better. Everything is new and the responsibilities you have to take on are heavy," says Tiberi, who's on his debut Grand Tour. "You have to be maximally concentrated in every phase and you cannot relax for a moment, otherwise you will get into trouble. I'll see how my body reacts to 21 days of stress, but for now I'm fine."

"The second week really inspires me and also because we start straight away on Tuesday with an important stage," he concludes, casting an eye towards the coming days. "It's one you have to be ready for right away, because it's the day after the rest day and there might be a risk that your body is completely relaxed. It may well be that you have recovered so well that you are a mouse or that you have a moment when your engine has cooled down a bit and then you are simply ridden off."