Ben Healy (EF Training-EasyPost) has been on an upward trajectory of success this spring and brings a prime degree of health, well being and enthusiasm to his first Giro d’Italia, his first Grand Tour. How prepared is the younger Irishman? “100%” was his unhesitant response simply three days earlier than the opening time trial alongside the Abruzzo coast.
Healy gained’t be sneaking into the sector for his first foray right into a three-week endurance occasion. The 22-year-old Irishman has six podiums up to now this 12 months, shining within the Ardennes with second at De Brabantse Pijl after which second at Amstel Gold Race, using within the profitable transfer with 80km to go. At Liège-Bastogne-Liège he was within the thick of it once more and completed one spot off the rostrum in fourth.
“Clearly I’m actually pleased with the Ardennes and simply glad to make my first Grand Tour,” Healy informed journalists at a pre-race staff press convention on Wednesday.
“I wanted just a few days off after an enormous block within the Ardennes, however I feel that was extra from fatigue reasonably than sickness. I’m rested now and haven’t any indicators of sickness so I feel I’m able to carry out.”
The Giro is a check of endurance, even with a robust EF Training-EasyPost staff round him. He’s no stranger to stage races in Italy, having skilled success simply two years in the past with Trinity Racing on the Child Giro, incomes three podiums together with a victory on the tenth and ultimate stage.
“I’m an opportunistic rider. This can be a good race for me. I actually like racing in Italy and it is introduced me success prior to now. So I am wanting ahead to the weeks forward,” Healy stated, noting that it was not his situation or well being which was the largest query mark, however the endurance throughout a number of mountain ranges for his longest stage race but.
“I feel that is the query that I want to seek out out, you recognize. I rested properly after the Ardennes and simply taking it daily. We all know it’ll be a tough race and hopefully the legs can even be [solid].
“It’s an unknown for me. It is not one thing I had a possibility to essentially even prepare in that a lot, you recognize. This form of terrain is admittedly one thing that is gonna check me. I am gonna discover out whether or not it is one thing that fits me as properly, however I feel if the legs are good then there is no purpose why I can’t do properly on the large climbs.”
Additionally on the lookout for alternatives for stage wins is Magnus Cort, however when the terrain flattens out. Coming off final week’s Tour of Romandie, Cort had two prime 10s in dash finishes and he plans to search for alternatives all through the three weeks in Italy.
“I feel for the few bunch sprints initially of the Giro, I don’t plan to take part there. I feel I’ll look [at opportunities] as soon as we get a bit of bit into the Giro. I cannot say that you’ll by no means see me, so I assume we’ll should see what occurs,” he stated on the staff press convention.
“I’d have preferred to be a bit of bit higher in Romandie than I used to be, nevertheless it’s no disaster. And I really feel assured that Romandie and these early days will deliver the legs to a good higher place than what they had been in Switzerland. There’s nonetheless three weeks to go so I am fairly assured that I will probably be good doing this race.”
The US-based WorldTour staff has a strong squad for particular person successes, including Rigoberto Urán into the combo for climbing alongside Healy and GC chief Hugh Carthy The 36-year-old Urán is probably not a part of the GC image any longer however has good type to contribute using to tenth at Catalunya and being within the combine on a few levels at Itzulia.
Healy was desperate to reap the benefits of his alternative on the Giro immediately. When requested if he would concentrate on a stage win, a KOM title and even the GC, he smiled and say, “All the things.”
“I’m right here to check myself and see how far I can go.”
