Steinhauser: “Unbelievable victory” Pogačar: “I knew he was a robust participant” – Giro d’Italia 2024 seventeenth stage participant feedback |

Steinhauser, who took his first skilled victory on stage 17 of the Giro, mentioned, “I felt like I used to be in fine condition by the eighth stage.” amongst Pogačar, who positioned second, and Martinez, whose aggressive run was wonderful.
Class winner: Georg Steinhauser (Germany, EF Schooling Easypost)

Georg Steinhauser (Germany, EF Schooling Easypost) took the lead alone. photograph: RCS Sport
One thing unthinkable occurred. I already felt good from the eighth grade and I assumed perhaps I might win. I used to be glad with the results of the queen stage (third place within the division) (on the fifteenth day). However immediately, after I signed as much as begin, I assumed, “I am in fine condition immediately, and perhaps I can win.”

That is why it was a wierd flip of occasions, as a result of he was attempting to flee from the start, solely to be caught by Proton as soon as. However then I attempted once more and it labored out like this.

-Your father can be a bicycle owner who as soon as raced within the Giro. Did you consider it through the 34km solo run?

No, truthfully, I did not have that in thoughts (lol). For the reason that highway was moist and slippery, I targeted on driving safely there. I used to be in my zone.

Georg Steinhauser (Germany, EF Schooling Easypost) wins his first skilled victory photograph: CorVos
-Do you know that Pogačar was coming from behind?

I obtained the data over the radio. That is why I used to be so nervous going up the final mountain and stored pushing to the highest. However after I came upon about it, I already had 2km left. So I assumed I might go on like this till the top.

– Is that this the beginning of your large profession?

I hope so (laughs).

2nd place in class & Maria Rosa Tadej Pogačar (Slovakia, Emirates Crew UAE)

Tadej Pogačar (Slovakia, Emirates Crew UAE) pulled away from his rivals and completed 2nd within the class. photograph: CorVos
I assumed I would not be capable to win. As a result of I knew that Steinhauser was a really robust participant. He confirmed energy on the primary hill of the day and continued his robust run on the finish.

Ineos picked up the tempo and Martinez began to assault as effectively. So I wished to observe him after which proceed climbing at my very own good tempo. That is all.

At present I used to be affected by flu when the primary strep got here. Nonetheless, I took off my moist jacket through the climb and was in a position to run in good situation afterwards. I am wanting ahead to Morano’s victory on the flat stage tomorrow.

Romain Bardet (France, DSM Firmenich Publish NL) steadily elevated his tempo and completed seventh within the class.

The peloton was managed by DSM Firmenich Publish NL for Balde. photograph: CorVos
The race developed as I wished. If we will win the race as a workforce, I can run too. Our technique was for me to be a part of the early escape group. Though he failed, he led the pack to make the race more durable. I attempted to assault with fewer individuals, however to my shock I used to be marked by Pogacar. Due to that, different full groups adopted swimsuit.

4th place in class & third place general: Geraint Thomas (England, Ineos Grenadiers)

Geraint Thomas (England, Ineos Grenadiers) photograph: CorVos
I used to be considering of making a good way from the underside of the final mountain and connecting it to the assault. However his legs did not wish to do it. My workforce mates additionally ran effectively and it was a great stage.

fifth place within the class & 2nd place general: Daniel Martinez (Colombia, Bora-Hansgrohe)

I attacked to see if I might make a distinction. Ineos was attempting to take the initiative, so I believe they wished to suppress their assaults. O’Connor was late, and Arensman was the one one Thomas had to assist. So I assumed I would give it a attempt. I used to be questioning what was going to occur.

I believe it was a great assault and naturally everybody was excited about Saturday (stage 20). It is just pure that it is going to be a tricky stage, and this is among the most troublesome climbs on this competitors. That is why I wish to go into it with a excessive stage of focus.

Ben O’Connor (Australia, Decathlon AG2R La Mondial) misplaced time after falling behind on the climb

It was laborious to breathe and I might solely climb at my very own tempo. I wish to relaxation my lungs on the flat stage tomorrow. I’m not in the perfect situation in the intervening time, however I hope to get well on Saturday.

textual content: Sotaro.Arakawa
photograph: RCS Sport