"I'm happy" - Filippo Ganna reassures following Volta ao Algarve GC near miss

Despite Daniel Martinez's shock time trial victory securing the INEOS Grenadiers rider the overall win at the Volta ao Algarve ahead of teammate Filippo Ganna, the Italian put on a brave face post race as he reassured fans that "I'm happy."

"It's ok, it's done, finally the week is finished and now we think about recovery," Ganna said. The near miss leaves the 26-year-old, former two-time Individual Time Trial World Champion still searching for his first victory since the prologue of the Deutschland Tour back in August of 2022.

The blow of having to deal with yet another podium finish without being on the top step will no doubt have been lessened by the fact that it was his teammate who was crowned as race victor. "Maybe it wasn't the perfect TT for me," Ganna revealed contrary to what had been the popular belief pre-race. "But I tried to defend and win the GC."

Ineos director Dario Cioni believed he had the explanation for Ganna's time trial disappointment. "He's been going full gas every stage so it's normal that the TT doesn't come out quite as expected," Cioni explained. "With his bike, I don't know, maybe he hit a bump or a pothole or something on the road. There were lots of holes in the road and bits and pieces. It was not an easy course."