"There will always be a Bernal who is stronger uphill" - Filippo Ganna unwilling to sacrifice time-trial prowess in return for climbing speed despite Vuelta a San Juan ride

Filippo Ganna is no stranger to performing in the mountains, having won at the Giro d'Italia some years ago, and frequently performed at the early-season Vuelta a San Juan. Following a second place in the GC of the Argentinian race questions rose up again on his possible transformation into a GC rider, but he shrugs off such idea.

'It went better than I thought. I really didn't expect to get off to such a good start. When I came third in the hilly fourth stage I knew my legs were turning well," Ganna told Gazzetta dello Sport. "That gave me morale for the ride to the Alto del Colorado. I finished tired, but I'm happy with my performance. It shows that I must continue on the chosen path."

INEOS Grenadiers entered San Juan with Daniel Martínez and Egan Bernal as options for the GC, but Ganna ended up taking the helm on the queen stage to Alto Colorado. An ascent without tough gradients, and very constant effort, it fit Ganna perfectly. Nevertheless, having beaten the likes of Sergio Higuita, Egan Bernal and Remco Evenepoel on such a summit finish and at altitude justifiably brought questions. 

As a brilliant time-trialist, former World Champion and current Hour Record holder, Ganna could see a transformation as did the likes of Bradley Wiggins or Geraint Thomas in INEOS over recent years. However, the Italian has different ideas in mind, and doesn't plan on committing to that risk.

'I've put the gym aside a bit for the past few years to lose weight, but what does the huge weight loss yield? I also told the team that there will always be a Bernal who is stronger uphill. I now train my upper body more often to strengthen my back and stomach," he explains, having dropped the idea of possibly becoming a stage-racer.

Instead, Ganna will continue to focus on the time-trials, whilst at the same time having a secondary goal in the classics, more specifically the cobbled classics where he hopes to perform due to his powerhouse nature and strong team.

From the Argentinian race, Ganna also recalls talking to Remco Evenepoel. The two are the main contenders to take the first pink jersey at the Giro d'Italia this May, and he brings back a moment in which the two have talked during the long week in South America.

"We joked about it during the less intense moments of the race. He pulled me back by my saddle a little bit and said 'you can see you're not struggling'. I can be a bit distant at times, but I respect every rider in the peloton," he concluded.