Juan Pedro López: "I'd like to keep the pink, but I'm still thinking about a possible stage win"

Juan Pedro López has had a dream start to the Giro d'Italia, however that doesn't prevent the Trek - Segafredo leader from ambitioning further into the race - as he expects to loose the race lead.

On a rest day press conference, the Spaniard told the media: "Before the start of the Giro, I never expected to be able to wear the pink. I came for a stage win, but I've been in the lead for six days now. I really look at it day by day. I want to enjoy every day, every kilometer in pink."

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A very strong ride at Mount Etna put him in the lead of the race, and an equally strong ride has seen him take it into the second week. With Bauke Mollema and Giulio Ciccone out of contention, the team's GC aspirations now fully rely on López who admits it's possible for him to stay in the run for the three weeks.

Throughout the week, there have been many calling López 'El Patron', as he seemed to perfectly fit in the role of race leader. "I am still the same person. Nothing else has changed. I just wear a different sweater than my colleagues," he answered regarding that idea. "I don't know how far I can get. Can I make it to the podium? No idea. If I make it, great, but I'm also happy if I don't. I just try to get the most out of it," he added.

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There will be some relatively calmer days which should allow him to lead the general and youth classifications, however if he happens to crack in the mountains ahead, he reveals that a stage win is still an ambition.

"I'd like to keep the pink, but I'm still thinking about a possible stage win. I am still looking for my first professional victory. That is really a goal, in this Giro or later in another race. The white youth jersey is also something to be concerned with, although I have to compete against João Almeida," he concluded.

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It’s rest day at the #Giro 🙌 Enjoy it @juanpelopez97 🙏 📸 @SprintCycling

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