Mikel Landa pessimistic about his GC chances at Tirreno-Adriatico after a disappointing opening time trial: "I'll be happy with a top 10"

We know that time trial is not Mikel Landa's greatest specialty. The Soudal - Quick-Step rider finished 39th in the first stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico 2025, 1:01 behind the day's winner Filippo Ganna. But put into perspective, he was only 21 seconds off the top 10.

The 35-year-old arrives at the Italian race after a Strade Bianche in which he came close to the top 10, finishing eleventh, 5:31 behind Tadej Pogacar. However, he is confident of improving from now on: "Yes, I'm convinced of it. On Saturday it was going to cost me, today I was going to lie down. I think that from tomorrow I will get better and better," he told Eurosport microphones.

Landa talked about the course and the demands of the initial time trial in Tirreno, highlighting the energy spent by the riders in these distances (11.5 kilometers): "It was demanding, as always. A short effort, super hard, in which, to tell you the truth, I've never found my best pace."

He was also asked about the general classification, where on paper he should be one of the main favorites for the podium. Instead, he sees it difficult to finish there and will be satisfied if he finishes in the top 10: "To do a good overall yes, we'll see if we can talk about the podium. I think I'll be satisfied with a top 10".

Lastly, he valued the possibility of a stage victory. Again, he responded with respect to the general classification, indicating that it will depend a lot on how he goes in the fight for the maglia azzurra. If he is far away, he feels he has more options to win one day than to achieve that podium or prestigious result in the general classificatoin: "A stage, depending on how much time he has lost until then, may be more feasible."