Pozzovivo stays optimistic despite Giro d'Italia time trial losses

Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r-La Mondiale) tried to balance some cautious riding on the descents with a full-on effort on the climbs during the Barolo time trial at the Giro d'Italia.

He started off fast, setting the fastest intermediate time after 12.6km, 15 second faster than Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-QuickStep). However, he lost a minute on the long descent and completed the stage 2:09 minutes behind Uran, who was the stage winner and new race leader. He also lost 30 seconds to Cadel Evans (BMC).

Pozzovivo remains fourth overall but is now 2:32 down on Uran. He was clearly disappointed as he watched Uran blast home, win the stage and take the pink jersey but was convinced of his race strategy.

"In theory, it was a time trial that suited me. I think I did a good ride. I didn’t take any risks on the descents and I think my time splits on the climbs were very good," he said.

Despite losing time, Pozzovivo refused to throw in the towel. He is looking to the mountain stages this weekend and then next week in the Dolomites and the final mountain finish on the steep slopes of Monte Zoncolan.

"Uran did a great ride but we're still up there. We'll fight it out for the Giro on the mountain stages," he predicted.

"We head into the mountains on Saturday and hopefully the weather will be good. The forecasts aren't showing any rain, so that makes me optimistic."

 

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Stephen Farrand
Head of News

Stephen is the most experienced member of the Cyclingnews team, having reported on professional cycling since 1994. He has been Head of News at Cyclingnews since 2022, before which he held the position of European editor since 2012 and previously worked for Reuters, Shift Active Media, and CyclingWeekly, among other publications.