"I will have a key role in us being successful" - Filippo Ganna excited for Vuelta a Espana debut

Filippo Ganna is, in his seventh year as a pro rider, making his debut at the Vuelta a Espana. With a flat team time-trial and an individual stage against the clock the Italian looks to bounce back from a tough hit at the World Championships and return to his winning ways, as well as supporting INEOS Grenadiers' GC ambitions.

“I’m really happy to be starting my first Vuelta and look forward to making a big contribution to the success of the team," the Italian said in a press release. "I’ve had a good year, but it was disappointing to have to abandon the Giro due to illness and that’s given me added motivation ahead of the final Grand Tour of the year." In Italy he finished second in the initial time-trial, as was the case now in the World Championships as he faced Remco Evenepoel.

Unfortunately for him, that should be the case once again at the Vuelta. He abandoned the Giro before the second time-trial which would suit him best, but bounced back to win the TT national championships afterwards and two stages at the Tour de Wallonie. A rider of his caliber however will not be satisfied with only those results, as he sees his best legs once again this season he looks to bring in strong victories to his palmarès.

However at the Vuelta he will also be supporting the team. Geraint Thomas comes in with the goal of a red jersey, whilst the likes of Thymen Arensman, Egan Bernal and Laurens de Plus may be in on the team's plans as well when aiming for the GC.

“We have a very strong group, and a great core from the team that rode the Giro, so the spirit will be high, and we’ll be ready to give our best to be as successful as possible. The opening stage Team Time Trial presents a really big immediate opportunity for us, and I know that I will have a key role in us being successful, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge and having a great race.”