Italian climber warns that tomorrow’s finish will be even better for him
He’s already won a stage and is being spoken of as a potential winner of the race; climbing specialist Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago CSF Bardiani) has one week to gain as much time as possible prior to the final time trial in the Giro d’Italia, and is in a position to start doing that today.
The Giro has had some tough stages but nothing like what lies ahead. Today sees the riders tackle two dauing climbs, the Col de Joux and the finish ascent up to the line at Cervinia. It’s the first of four big summit finishes, and he’s ready to begin pushing forward.
“I know I have all eyes on me, but what pleases me is that I stay with my feet on the ground,” said Pozzovivo, who began today’s stage one minute 12 seconds off the Maglia Rosa of Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha). He sounds confident, although he believes that he may do more damage another day.
“Right now I would like to split the world, my condition is excellent, I have very high morale,” he said. “Cervinia is a climb I like even if it is not very suitable to my characteristics. Just to be clear, the finish at the Piani di Resinelli the next day is better for me.”
Pozzovivo’s stage win came last Sunday in Lago Laceno, and happened after the tiny climber jumped clear on the final climb of Colle Molella. He went over the top with a 26 second lead over Beñat Intxausti (Movistar) and held off both that chaser plus the bunch on the downhill and flat run-in to the line.
He’s clear on what he expects today. “A group of a dozen riders at the finish line or a solo finish,” he predicted. “Of course I hope to be one of those who will perform.”
If he’s in the same kind of shape as he was last Sunday, he has the power to shake things up on that final climb, and to send a signal that he’s ready to battle for pink in the days ahead.