Published on : 05/27/2022
At the end of another exhausting stage where the breakaway went all the way, the leader of the Cofidis team attacked in the final. He finished in 7th place, which allowed him to gain a place in the general classification, to enter the 'top 15' (14th).
It was another day of watching the road climb and forcing oneself to make intense efforts to hold on. The day's stage had several special features: an entry into a neighboring country (Slovenia), a new pass (Mount Kolovrat) and an unexpected scenario. Just like the day before, it was the breakaway riders who had the last word today. On Friday, the frontrunners even had a lead of up to 11 minutes before fighting for victory.
Tomorrow, more climbing on the agenda
At Cofidis, the day after a stage in which Guillaume Martin took part in the breakaway and the day after a double top 10 (Cimolai and Consonni), the riders stayed with the best in the peloton. Then, in the final, Guillaume Martin offered himself a new honorable challenge. The rider from Normandy attacked in the last few kilometers, which allowed him to cross the line in 7th position. This boldness and self-sacrifice enabled him to gain one place in the overall classification. He is now in 14th position, 25 min 45 sec behind the pink jersey, Richard Carapaz.
Tomorrow, the last mountain stage of the Giro will take place. In the heart of the Dolomites, it will certainly be a battle during all the 168 km between Belluno and Marmolada. There will be three climbs in total: the Passo di San Pellegrino ( with climbs of more than 15%), the Passo Pordoi and the Passo Fedaia with portions that reach up to 18%. It will take courage and boldness to resist this stage before finally seeing Verona and enjoying the pleasure of having reached the end of a Grand Tour.
THEY SAID
Guillaume Martin :
« It was an amazing stage, I surprised myself and it's a bit annoying. I have better sensations when I stay with the favorites in the peloton. Today, I was in a good shape and I was able to keep up with the best. I took advantage of the gap between the three leaders to get this 7th place and finish first of the group of the favorites. It's anecdotal but symbolically it makes me happy, especially after this complicated Giro for me. It is also encouraging for tomorrow's stage, where it will be the last opportunity to go for the victory. Will it be in the breakaway or in the group of favorites? I don't know tonight, I'm not sure. In any case, I'm happy with today's stage, even if I'm still frustrated that I couldn't compete for the win. »
Roberto Damiani, Sport Director :
« Today, we knew that the breakaway had a chance to go all the way and it was confirmed very quickly. It was difficult for a climber like Guillaume to get into a breakaway with all-rounder riders. It's a pity that the peloton just controlled the breakaway for the general classification and didn't try to catch up with the frontrunners. In the final, Guillaume showed that he never gives up. He is a player in the race every day! He hung on to the leaders and even attacked in the last kilometers. He shows that he is still there, and keeps his spirit high right until the end. »