UAE Team Emirates-XRG is maintaining a positive outlook for the Giro d'Italia despite teammate Juan Ayuso losing 16 seconds to rival Primož RogliÄ in the recent time trial. Interestingly, both co-leaders Ayuso and Adam Yates finished behind RogliÄ, yet team sports director Fabio Baldato dismissed concerns, remarking on training approaches and the lengthy race duration. With a focus on strategy rather than immediate results, Baldato highlighted the potential for time changes throughout the Giro, showcasing confidence in their overall plan and preparation.
"The time trial was a bit complicated, it was a normal result and not a big deal regarding GC," Ayuso told Cyclingpro.net before the stage.
"But if we all look at his [RogliÄ's] program and our program, Juan already won Tirreno, then did Catalunya in March then had a bit of recovery time, but RogliÄ put all his effort and preparation purely for the Giro and he's ready for it."
"The Giro's three weeks long, though and at the end of the day, it's 16 seconds. If there's a split on one day at the end of any stage, you could lose 30 or 40 seconds. So we're happy with our schedule. It's not a problem."
"UAE co-leaders Juan Ayuso shed 16 seconds and Adam Yates was 36 seconds back. Their best rider on the day was Jay Vine, briefly the provisional stage leader and finally third."
Collection
[
|
...
]