"I think Josh is one of the best riders at the moment," the 27-year-old Italian, who shared victories in the two time-trials of the 2024 Giro d'Italia with Tadej Pogacar, said in conversation with
Cycling Weekly. "He's European champion, and has a lot of victories also in the TT. He's young, but really, really strong. I hope he can be a good fight for me. For sure, he's one of the motivations I have for training well, so I can beat him."
At the World Championships towards the end of 2023, Tarling burst onto the scene by taking a bronze medal in Glasgow. The young Welshman wasn't able to get the better of his more experienced teammate though, as Ganna secured the silver medal for Italy. In the end though, neither were able to take the win as victory went to Remco Evenepoel.
At the Olympics later this summer though, both Ganna and Tarling are firmly going for the gold medal.
"I'm going to Paris to win," Tarling defiantly told The Guardian back in April. "I'd like to do the road race as well, but it depends, because there's only four spots. I also want to do the Madison on the track. So I'd like to win the Madison and the TT."