The second summit finish of this year’s Giro d’Italia was nail-biting in the battle for the virtual podium, as Antonio Tiberi moved up on GC, and into second place in the fight for the white jersey. The Italian was more than satisfied with his day’s work:
“It was a really positive day. Sure, it would have been nice to get in the top 3 on the stage, but it’s all about climbing up the overall, so with what I did today, how I felt, and the progress we made in the classifications, I’m super happy.
I tried a few attacks, and I showed I’m in good shape. It’s a long race, and we’re doing exactly what we need to.”
The day stared with a huge battle for the breakaway, which ended with 14 going up the road. The best placed rider in that group was Romain Bardet (DSM), who lay 5’23” behind overall leader Tadej Pogačar (UAE). That small margin meant that the favourites – and in particular the teams fighting for the overall podium – were never going to allow a big gap to develop. Despite the presence of Bardet, Julian Alaphilippe (SOQ) & Nairo Quintana (MOV), the break was caught without complications as UAE took responsibility at the front of the chasing pack.
With a total of around 4000 vertical metres faced over the 152 kilometres from Spoleto in the foothills of the Appenine mountains, this was always going to be a day that tested the legs. And some of the strongest belonged to the 22 year old Italian. In a reduced group of the main contenders, which was led up the final climb of Prati di Tivo by three men from UAE, Tiberi was the first to challenge his rivals with 2km remaining. It wasn’t a full on attack, but enough to drop a few who couldn’t handle the injection of pace. Showing maturity beyond his years, Antonio sensibly fell back behind the wheels of Pogačar and Rafa Majka, saving energy, before going again under the ‘flamme rouge’. It was another brief foray that showed his strength, as he once again forced the others to dig deep.
“The climb wasn’t too hard or too long, but everyone seemed content just to sit behind the 3 UAE wheels of Majka, [Felix] Großschartner & Tadej, so I thought I would try to mix it up a bit rather than just follow. No-one’s invincible and we love to see real racing!”
After that came another finale that demonstrated the dominance of the Slovenian national champion, but the fight behind is becoming more intense as each stage goes by.
Our leader moved up to sixth overall, 4’23” behind the pink jersey, and 1’25” off the podium. The gap to Cian Uijtdebroeks (TVL) in the young riders’ classification is just 21 seconds, and the excitement in Italy about the potential of this young talent is growing by the day.
“This is just the start of the Giro really,” continued Tiberi. “We’re 8 stages in, and I know myself – I get stronger as the days go by. It was like that at La Vuelta last year, and hopefully it will be the same at this Giro. Even on the Oropa stage I felt strong, and if it weren’t for a bit of bad luck that day, I’d be second on GC. But that’s our sport, I only look forwards, and everyone’s going to have a bit of misfortune between now and Rome.”
Tomorrow sees another lumpy day with a fast finish, from Avezzano to Naples, before Monday’s well-deserved first rest day.
“After the time trial yesterday I felt super good, and with the rest day coming after tomorrow’s stage to Napoli, that will give me a good chance to recover and prepare for the second week.
Hearing the fans on the roadside, and feeling how the Italian public is getting behind me, I want to thank everyone for their support, and ask for even more!
I would love to give the people of my home country something to really cheer about in my home race!”
Stage 9 of the 2024 Giro d’Italia starts at midday in Avezzano, Abruzzo, and is scheduled to finish 214km later in Napoli between 17:00 & 17:30.
