"I've always believed in my abilities" - Thibaut Pinot secures top 5 finish and King of the Mountains jersey at his final Giro d'Italia

In what could possibly be the final Grand Tour of his career, Thibaut Pinot lit up the race, securing a top 5 overall finish and winning the Maglia Azzura for the King of the Mountains at the Giro d'Italia.

On the stage 20, individual time-trial up the brutally steep Monte Lussari, Pinot thrived. Finishing 5th on the stage and moving up to 5th position in the general classification, the Groupama - FDJ leader left it all on the road. "I knew that this time-trial could suit me and I'm in an ascending form in this third week," the Frenchman explained post-stage. "The fact of telling myself that it was the last time on a Giro pushed me even more to give everything. I really wanted to go looking for this top 5 because it means a lot to me."

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Prior to the race, Pinot played down his chances of GC success. Instead, the 32-year-old was keen to just enjoy himself, without any pressure and try to have some fun. Almost by accident, his impressive performances in the breakaway as he searched for King of the Mountains points and a stage win saw Pinot launched in contention for a top 5 finish.

"I know that you must never give up in the Giro and that everything can be decided in the last stages. To obtain in addition the jersey of best climber while aiming for the general classification, it's not easy and it's an extra point of pride. I intend to enjoy it for another 24 hours," Pinot continues. "I've always believed in my abilities. I feel relieved because I managed to get back to that level. I'm proud of myself."

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