The sun was out in Umbria for the time trial but there are concerns about the huge snow that has fallen in the high mountains recently. Barry Ryan has that story from Perugia
We also report on how Ganna, Thomas and other riders at Ineos used the Classified ‘front derailleur killer’ hub so they could use a single chainring set-up for better aerodynamics and chain line.
As the dust settles o the stage, this is the stage result and GC from our friends at First Cycling.
This is the spectacular final kilometre of Pogavar’s time trial, as he snatches the stage victory from Ganna and gains huge amounts of time on his GC rivals.
🔻 And when it mattered the most, @tamaupogi rose to the occasion. A huge ride leaving his rivals speechless, as the Slovenian emerged victorious⏮ The @Continentaltire Ultimo Kilometro ⤵️#GirodItalia #LastKm | #Continental #ContinentalItalia #SafetySponsorOfTheRoad pic.twitter.com/kTSwLpK3WUMay 10, 2024
Pogacar admitted he did not have a lot of information from the team car. He just went all out.
“I heard only two times the time gap, and also I wasn’t so sure what they said on the radio. I was just focusing on myself,” he said.
“I knew the climb suits me, suits me better than other people for sure. That was my advantage on the climb, especially because it was quite steep.”
Pogacar was proud of his performance as much as his time gain.
“I felt good After the World Championships last year, today was my first race on the TT bike again. It was a lot of preparation for this and a lot of ups and downs since last year in the time trial so I’m super happy that today I felt good,” Pogacar said.
“I started with an easier pace, I had to get used to the TT bike. Then I paced myself until the climb. I’m super happy with the day on the bike.”
Sometimes Pogacar seems a little bored with the post-race obligations and keen to get away to rest up but today he seems genuinely happy today.
Now Pogacar pulls on the maglia rosa.
Pogacar enjoys his moment on the podium. His lock of blonde hair is again sticking out below his cap as he collects the different prizes for winning the time trial.
Pogacar is in control of the Giro now but the races switches again on Saturday, with the first real mountain stage deep into the central Apennines with a 14km climb to Prato di Tivo.