"It's the second day in a row that he can't keep up" - Johan Bruyneel on Primoz Roglic's struggles against Juan Ayuso

The Giro d'Italia took some time to really heat up, but over the past two stages we've seen Juan Ayuso on the attack and taking the time back on Primoz Roglic that he had lost in the time-trial. This Sunday's gravel stage can be crucial for the outcome of the race, but so far the psychological advantage is on the Spaniard's corner according to Johan Bruyneel.

The Belgian pundit commented on stage 8's tactics from BORA, who were close to actually keeping the jersey with all of the action that happened in the finale. "They wanted to lose the jersey to Lorenzo Fortunato, but he dropped back on the climb." Johan Bruyneel said in The Move podcast. "Who would have expected Fortunato to lose ground on that climb? He obviously used a lot of energy for those mountain sprints, which ultimately takes its toll."

The XDS Astana Team duo eventually rode into first and second in the overall classification, but towards the end the action wasn't only from the riders in the breakaway.

In the final climb of the day Tom Pidcock attempted to surprise, but was followed by Ayuso. "I don't really understand it. I find it hard to believe that Pidcock thinks he can compete for the GC, and Sunday's stage is perfect for him, so I didn't really understand his attack". Pidcock should be the main favourite for today's stage into Siena.

And in the final uphill sprint to the line, Juan Ayuso surprised with an attack, and gained another second on Primoz Roglic who wasn't able to respond and once again saw his rival close the gap slightly. "Ayuso wanted more seconds. The win is more mental than actual time. If Roglic had really good legs, he wouldn't have let that happen. It doesn't really impact what's to come, but it's the second day in a row that he can't keep up."