Despite losing the contact on early slopes of the second ascent of Monte Grappa, Bardet continued to fight on all alone, arriving to Bassano del Grappa seven and a half minute behind
stage winner Tadej Pogacar, but losing just enough time to Michael Storer to defend at least the 9th spot in the GC.
"We’ve had a bit of an up and down race over the course of the three weeks I would say. We’ve had some really good days and some stages where we’ve suffered a little bit; whether that be through illness or injury. Now we have to regather, travel to Rome, and come out fighting one last time on stage 21 where we’ll go for it in the sprint."