"Things are looking good for a podium finish" - Tom Pidcock ready for a final push at Vuelta after successful time trial

Tom Pidcock's dream Vuelta a Espana continues as the Brit successfully defended his third spot in the GC in Thursday's time trial. The star of Q36.5 Pro Cycling wasn't able to keep up with the absolute best, but a 22nd best time of the day was enough to gain a few seconds on his closest pursuer Jai Hindley which means that everything is to be decided on Bola del Mundo and Pidcock will most likely enter the penultimate stage with 39 seconds of advantage.

"Looking at my stats, I think it was my best time trial ever," Pidcock gasped in front of the Eurosport camera after the crossing the finish line, 28 seconds behind winner Filippo Ganna. "I didn't really invest much in the time trial. I did a team time trial and a session in preparation for that. It was mainly about improving my uphill performance. But to be honest, I felt really strong. The time trial didn't need to be any longer for me. I think a lot of guys would give you the same answer."

Pidcock seemed to be losing ground to Hindley on Angliru and La Farrapona, but now he appears ready for the final podium push. "The end of the second week was really tough, but this week I really feel like I'm back in the race," he continues. "Things are looking good for a podium finish. I'm confident of a good outcome, but I can't get complacent. This is the first time I've been in this situation, and I know Hindley and Pellizzari will attack me in the coming days."

"I pay as little attention as possible to any potential stage shortenings, and I also don't get involved in discussions between riders. Damien Howson handles that on behalf of our team. I simply prepare for the stages that are supposed to come. If anything changes, I'll adapt," concludes the Briton.

Quite surprisingly today, Giulio Pellizzari lost 9 seconds in a time trial to the lightweight Matthew Riccitello. Regardless, the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe youngster continues to lead the youth competition with still nearly a minute lead over the American rider. Pellizzari is also 5th overall, defending his position against the same opponent.

"I think that it was too short for me today," the Italian said about his mediocre performance in today's shortened time trial. "I was a bit tired after yesterday and I was expecting better, but it was important to save the result, and we keep fighting."

After his victory in stage 17 where Pellizzari gained a lot of time on his rivals, today he lost most of it, returning to the square one. "In the end, yesterday I took 30 seconds [on my rival for the white jersey] and today I lost ten seconds, so it's good. There is still one mountain stage, and we will see how the legs are there. We are both in the top 5 of the general classification [with my teammate Jai Hindley], but for sure we will try to put one man on the podium."