Nico Denz admits he "will probably need a few more weeks to realize it all" after taking two brilliant Giro d'Italia stage wins

One of the standout riders from the first two weeks of racing at the Giro d'Italia, Nico Denz can boast not one but two stage wins and the German admits it still hasn't really sunk in.

"It all took me a bit by surprise. After the first victory, there was a lot of emotion in particular. I didn't even know how I felt anymore," the BORA - hansgrohe rider reveals in the team's rest day press conference as the riders enjoy a break from the horrible weather that has plagued this year's edition of the Giro d'Italia and Italy as a whole in recent weeks.

"I was so happy," continues Denz who took victory on both stage 12 and stage 14. "I didn't expect this at all and will probably need a few more weeks to realize it all."

Garnering a reputation as something of a breakaway specialist, Denz is keen to try and make it a hat-trick before the race is finished. With his teammate Lennard Kamna sitting 7th in the general classification however, Denz is aware that he may be needed to help his fellow German as he looks to secure at least a first Grand Tour top 10 finish.

"I'll keep doing what I've always done. In the past I have always been seen in escape attempts and I also get a lot of satisfaction from helping Lennard," says Denz. "Here I was able to seize opportunities when they presented themselves."