“It’s impossible to describe this feeling. It’s just like a dream" - Emotional Antonio Tiberi concludes debut Giro d'Italia with White Jersey and top-5 finish

In the first Giro d'Italia of his career, the 22-year-old Antonio Tiberi made Italian cycling fans dream with his impressive and consistent performances, taking 5th place in the general classification and securing the White Jersey for Best Young Rider.

“It’s impossible to describe this feeling,” reflected an emotional Tiberi to the Bahrain - Victorious website following the post-stage 21 podium ceremony in Rome. “It’s just like a dream; to be here in my home region, with the Giro white jersey and 5th on GC is just amazing. My family, and the fans are all here, and I feel like I’ve only just begun to understand what I’ve achieved and what it means. It’s super emotional for me, a super special moment.”

With his performances over the past three weeks, Tiberi has emerged as a genuine Grand Tour contender of the future, putting to bed the controversies of his past and showing the surest sign yet that the future of Italian Grand Tour cycling is in good hands after the retirements of the likes of Vincenzo Nibali and Fabio Aru.

“Winning the white jersey on the Giro d’Italia is an achievement for the team that we planned for, to which we dedicated ourselves, and we are super proud. It’s also a result that gives us a good look at what Antonio may be able to do in the future," adds Bahrain - Victorious Performance Manager Vladimir Miholjević. "And with him having signed a contract extension at the start of the race that is very exciting for us and for him. We are ready to support him and help him make the most of the talent that he has”

Bahrain - Victorious' experienced Damiano Caruso also was left impressed by Tiberi over the last three weeks and as such, despite his own GC challenge behind ended by and early crash, the 36-year-old leaves the race full of happiness.

“I spent almost a month sharing the room with Antonio, and it’s wonderful to now share the emotions of this fantastic achievement in his first Giro d’Italia. I was impressed by how well he managed the pressure from the media, the public, and the team. It’s a testament to his character," says Caruso. "He likely felt the pressure—it’s impossible not to—but it’s remarkable how he handled it. He also did an excellent job managing his energy throughout the three weeks, especially in the final stage. I’m glad he listened to my suggestions, keeping everything under control and not being overly worried about the result. By focusing on himself and how he was feeling, he ultimately reached the spot he deserved.”