After a very accomplished individual time-trial performance on Friday saw BORA - hansgrohe's Daniel Martinez leapfrog Geraint Thomas and rise to 2nd overall at the Giro d'Italia, the Colombian climber is expecting another GC shakeup on stage 8.
“We knew we had to organise it well for the final climb," reflected Martinez of his impressive time-trial display, putting time into many of his rivals, bar the incredible Tadej Pogacar, who took the stage win, in a pre-stage 8 conversation with Cycling Pro Net. "We knew we could make a difference there and I think we did everything as we planned.”
152km with three categorised climbs, including a summit finish atop Prati di Tivo, stage 8 has all the characteristics of a day that could see the general classification riders take to the fore.
“It will again be quite a tough and demanding day, especially after yesterday's time trial. Someone will definitely try to attack," previews Martinez, although he's got getting too far ahead of himself despite the brilliant start to his Giro d'Italia. “Let's just say I've done well so far. My feeling is also good. Every day brings a new challenge, so we have to stay focused.”
🇮🇹 #Giro A short stage with almost no flat terrain and a series of ups and downs to the finish. A 30km descent takes the riders to the foot of the final 14.5km long climb featuring 22 hairpin bends. 📍 Spoleto ➡️ Prati di Tivo 🚩 Start 12:30 🏁 Finish ca. 17:15 🛣️ 152 km
