"I'm not a sprinter, it's not my role" - Filippo Ganna rules himself out of Maglia Ciclamino fight at 2024 Giro d'Italia

A two-time individual time-trial world champion, Filippo Ganna reinvented himself somewhat towards the end of the 2023 season, competing in bunch sprints at the Vuelta a Espana. This has led some to consider the INEOS Grenadiers powerhouse as an outside bet for the Maglia Ciclamino at the upcoming Giro d'Italia.

When quizzed about the prospects of such a scenario being played out at a pre-race press conference however, Ganna didn't seem totally enthused. "The sprint stages will be complicated for me, I'm not a sprinter, it's not my role. Last year at the Vuelta I threw myself because Geraint Thomas told me to do it and we came close many times," Ganna explains. "With the names that are here it is difficult, but we are here and let's try, let's see what can happen. I didn't come to win the Maglia Ciclamino, but to give support to my teammates and if possible find some joy for myself."

Having worn the Maglia Rosa in the past, this year the lack of time-trial to open the race makes things a little more difficult for the Italian to get himself into pink. "It's different," Ganna admits. "Obviously, a road stage compared to a time trial has many more factors and question marks. We tried to simulate the stage that will take place on Saturday by making climbs and climbs similar to those of the stage to try to feel similar sensations to those of that day. Obviously, in the race everything will be different: there are opponents who can put you in difficulty, but we will try to do everything as best we can to at least try. If I succeed we will celebrate, obviously in Oropa the following day will be very demanding, a first day of testing for ranking men and climbers, so for me getting to Novara could be very difficult."

“Certainly starting a Giro d'Italia, with Italians on the side of the road, gives you an edge, so I'm happy to be here," the 27-year-old concludes. "Plus, leaving for Piedmont is truly exciting. We return to Turin, where we started 2021 with a beautiful time trial, and we return to Turin where the stage will be very challenging."