Mikel Landa returns to Grand Tour podiums: "I’ve given all I could, and I’m happy"

Despite his struggles in the time-trials, Mikel Landa has been one of the most consistent Grand Tour riders of the last few years. He has now finished in the Top7 of his last six finished Grand Tours, and equaled his career best by finishing on the podium of the Giro d'Italia once again.

“I’m very happy to be back on the podium of a Grand Tour. I can’t hide the fact that I’ve done a lot of work and had a lot of subsequent attempts since I last finished on the podium in 2015. I’m very satisfied with how it’s gone,” Landa told Velonews after finishing the race with a modest performance in the Verona time-trial.

Landa has avoided crashing and badly-timed mechanicals. With his preparation strong, team in form and a climber-focused route, Landa stayed in contention for the Giro win until the last few days of racing. “It’s not been easy. I’ve had some good moments, some bad moments, and I’ve put a lot of effort in. But it’s a nice feeling, very gratifying that things have gone my way again at last," he said.

Having finished almost five minutes ahead of fourth place (Vincenzo Nibali) his podium was secure and evidence of his quality. Asked if he could've done better, he replied: “It might seem like there were opportunities, but it’s very difficult when you’re up against teams as strong as Bora and Ineos. In truth, I don’t think there was an opportunity anywhere that I missed."

With Pello Bilbao finshing fifth and Santiago Buitrago netting a stage win in Lavarone, it concluded a successful race for Bahrain - Victorious who lost Jan Tratnik immediately in the first days of the race. 

“The fact that I’ve had to leave grand tours without being able to show what I’m capable of has been difficult, but this really gives me some motivation. I feel like things are on the up," Landa pointed out, in relief of what he's once again achieved.

"I was convinced that I could finish on the podium, as long as I didn’t have any crashes or any catastrophes like those I’ve had in the past... In the end, I’ve managed to do that, I’ve given all I could, and I’m happy," he concluded.