"It has been a bit boring for the fans" admits Joao Almeida as Giro d'Italia reaches second rest day

The 2023 Giro d'Italia has drawn some criticism from some quarters due to the lack of a general classification battle seen throughout the 15 stages as the favourites opt to save their legs for the final week. Joao Almeida admits this hasn't been the best entertainment.

"I always say that I will attack when my legs feel good," said Almeida, who did at least make a testing move on stage 15, in a rest day press conference for the UAE Team Emirates team. Although that mini-attack didn't really gain him any time, Almeida thinks it was positive. “During the ride I felt really strong, so I decided to try something. That worked out quite well, I must say.'

Heading into the third week and a very mountainous few days, the race is expected to finally set alight. As Almeida admits himself, the excitement levels can only grow in the coming days. "The battle for the classification will probably start immediately after the rest day," he proposes. “It's a pretty specific stage. We don't go to great heights, but we still have to climb a lot."

"The past few weeks have also been somewhat boring for the fans, although it was already quite difficult for us. It would be nice if the sun shines more often. Hopefully everyone will stay on track now, because there are already enough dropouts due to corona and falls," he continues. "Primoz was very patient while Geraint drove around defensively. I would have expected Primoz to attack earlier. Maybe he is still recovering from his fall, because normally he is an offensive rider. Still, both Geraint and Primoz make a strong impression on me, as does Damiano Caruso."