Filippo Ganna had lamented his mounting variety of minor podium placings within the 2023 season earlier within the week, then on Sunday he accrued two extra in sooner or later on the Volta ao Algarve.
After the Ineos Grenadiers rider restricted losses so effectively on the race’s two mountain-top finishes, the Italian was extensively thought of the favorite to stroll away with the general title after the final-day time trial however was then compelled to accept third on the stage and second general.
Returning to the bus after his trip, Ganna appeared to point an issue along with his bike. He confirmed it to a mechanic, pointed to the rear wheel and gave it a spin as if to counsel it wasn’t turning correctly.
Ganna declined to talk to Cyclingnews about his day or that potential problem however later appeared for the rostrum ceremony, the place he fulfilled his media commitments with the briefest of responses.
“It is okay, it is executed, lastly the week is completed and now we take into consideration restoration,” Ganna mentioned. Requested about his general form, he added: “I am comfortable. It has been a pleasant week and now restoration.”
Ganna was 10 seconds wanting the stage winner Stefan Küng on the 24.4km Lagoa course, and one second shy of Rémi Cavagna (Soudal-QuickStep) in second place.
Having began the day 31 seconds in arrears of the general chief, his teammate Tom Pidcock, he made that again up however one other teammate, Daniel Martínez, stole the present to win the title by two seconds.
“Possibly it wasn’t the right TT for me however I attempted to defend and win the GC,” Ganna mentioned.
Ineos Grenadiers director Dario Cioni identified Ganna’s exertions this week – which embrace a spectacular late break on stage 3 on high of the mountain efforts – as a potential mitigating issue, together with the situation of the roads in Lagoa.
“He is been going full fuel each stage so it is regular that the TT does not come out fairly as anticipated,” Cioni mentioned.
“Along with his bike, I do not know, perhaps he hit a bump or a pothole or one thing on the street. There have been a number of holes within the street and bits and items. It was not a straightforward course.”
Ganna, who additionally completed runner-up on the Vuelta a San Juan in January and the European Monitor Championships earlier than Algarve, will subsequent be in motion at Tirreno-Adriatico in early March.
As for what his ambitions will likely be on the Italian stage race: “I do not know, we’ll see after we begin.”
