Thibaut Pinot doesn't choose between GC fight and stage hunt: "One does not prevent the other"

Thibaut Pinot wasn't initially set out to race for the overall classification at the Giro d'Italia, but such possibility isn't ruled out. After a strong performance at the Tour de Romandie the Frenchman has began to dream higher.

"Physically, I feel pretty good. Mentally, my 5th place in the Tour de Romandie doesn't change much for me," Pinot said ahead of the race, having finished second in the queen stage in a very strong climbing performance. "I'm motivated to have the best race possible, after that it's the race that will decide. I I'm going to give my best on each stage and we'll see how far it can take me in Rome, quite simply."

Groupama - FDJ will have Stefan Küng and Jake Stewart chasing stage wins, however Pinot is the headliner of the team, racing his final Giro. He is motivated ahead of the Corsa Rosa and is showing a level similar to that of his prime. "Stage victories or the general classification? As I said, I'm going to give my best of myself trying to be as close as possible to the favorites," he responds. 

"I will take the race day by day. For the general classification, I will fight every day, but I think that one does not prevent the other... I can fight for the general and one day aim for a good stage victory," Pinot concluded.