"We'll probably go full throttle" - Primoz Roglic expects climb to Gran Sasso d'Italia to create differences in the GC

Primoz Roglic will be testing his form this afternoon at Gran Sasso d'Italia, one of the longest ascents in the calendar, an unusual challenge that can create differences. The leader of Jumbo-Visma believes that the final kilometers will take the riders to the limit.

“Everything is going well at the moment. It is of course the first mountain stage and we will see how the legs will feel when it goes uphill," the Slovenian said before the start this morning in Capua. "We'll probably go full throttle at the end and I'm trying to be among the best there."

The final ascent will see the riders climb a total of 1800 meters, the summit finish at Campo Imperatore will be at over 2100 meters of altitude. It'll be the first time the GC riders will go all-in on an ascent this Giro as stage 4 to Colle Molella saw the GC contenders hide their cards in the approach to the line.

However Roglic is keen on playing it safe and is unlikely to take big risks, as he explains that a big purpose of today's stage is to gauge his and his opponents' form: “If you can win, that would be perfect. But the competition is strong and I first have to see how I feel on this first uphill finish."

He has 44 seconds back on Remco Evenepoel, something that could grow in two days if the World Champion is back to his best legs in time for the time-trial. “After today we know more, but so far Remco is the fastest if you look at the standings," he claims, also not showing pressure to take that time back yet.