"I was thinking all day about my kids" - Daniel Martinez filled with pride after securing 2nd at 2024 Giro d'Italia behind Tadej Pogacar
Cycling
Daniel Martinez was the best of the rest at the 2024 Giro d'Italia. He is the only one to finish less than 10 minutes behind Tadej Pogacar (9:56) and, thanks to this second place in the general classification, he achieves a career-best Grand Tour finish.
"Yes, actually today, maybe the biggest project that I have in life was watching me here, they came to see me. So well, today I was coming in inspired and I was coming in thinking all day about my kids so well, hopefully someday they'll see it years later and remember," reflected Martinez with pride post-stage. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, really. I have worked very hard for this. Let's say that sometimes things have turned out well, sometimes not as we wanted, but well, that's what life is all about, to continue, to persist. And well, today thanks to God let's say that here we gave a good performance."
When asked if this is a firm sign of his growing capabilities in three-week stage races, Martinez remains cautious. "Well, I couldn't tell you that. It's very difficult because, let's say well, it went well in this Giro d'Italia. Three-week men are the ones, like Nairo or them, who are always in the top 10," he assesses. "Let's say that, well, I'm going step by step, I'm going my own way, at my own pace, and well, and whatever God wants."
He also talked about his most difficult moment in this Giro: "There were many. Well, let's say that when I started the Giro, I wasn't in very good health, let's say I started with a small problem. Then, well, a fall, well, almost a fall, a blow to the shoulder that I had, let's say it was bothering me a lot. And then the other day I was practically alone and, well, that's where we were able to get there".
Finally, he wanted to thank the support of all the Colombian people throughout the race: "Yes, really a greeting to all the people, to all my people there in Soacha, Cundinamarca, in Vergara, Cundinamarca, to the people of the county of Cundinamarca who supported me to train here, to train for the Giro d'Italia, the people of Cundinamarca. And well, thanks to all the people of Colombia who gave us strength during this week. All the prayers and all the nice wishes that they sent me, they were felt here and well, thank you very much."
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Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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Rafionain-Glas08-11-2026 - He is boring
leedorney08-11-2026 - To Twoje przemyślenia te bla, bla :)
Dariusz08-11-2026 - Uwielbiam patrzeć, jak wyjeżdża na czoło peletonu i zaczyna się rzeź...Dariusz08-11-2026
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parisbound0008-11-2026 - there needs to be space in life for pointless comments!Ketterechts08-11-2026
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El colombiano Daniel Felipe Martínez puede decir que es el campeón del Giro de Italia de los mortales... porque Pogacar es un extraterrestre. ¡Tremendo Giro de Daniel y de Einer Rubio!
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