«Yesterday was a very sad day – says Gino Mader – but almost immediately we found new objectives. We no longer have Landa to protect, so we can run more aggressively.Mohoric rode an incredible race today. He believed in me since yesterday. He kept telling me that this stage was right for me, and in the end, he was right."
The reaction
It would seem like a story we've already seen, like the one from Ineos last year who, having lost Thomas, rolled up his sleeves and produced the most beautiful Giro. Yesterday Landa's fall deprived the Bahrain Victorious of its leader, but the group was able to react.
«No strange alchemy – explains Alberto Volpi, in a very different mood this evening than yesterday – they looked at each other and understood that they had to do something. The younger ones maybe not, but The experts know that these things happen all the time and we have to move on.We're definitely talking about a valuable team. Quality players selected to stand alongside a strong leader, who now have to make their own run.
«Mohoric, who puts a lot of thought into it in addition to his legs And today the kid rode really well. Caruso, tenth in the Tour, and you know his story better than I do. Pello Bilbao. In short, not exactly the newcomers. And Mader, even though it's the first race we've done together, I remember him fighting in stage races when he was younger with Hindley and Pogacar. He has some numbers, he will come out."
The bike and joy
Gino Mader has curly hair and his English has the harshness of German. When he's told that a previous Giro winner, Gino, had the surname Bartali, he blushes a little, but not that much. He explains that the history of cycling is too far behind his years. and that he would like to find out, but that for now the same question should be asked of his parents who certainly know more.
Its recent history speaks of some pranksLike the one at the 2020 Vuelta, where Gaudu was beaten at the Alto de la Covatilla. And the one in this year at Paris-Nice, preceded by Roglic on the day of the controversy.
«If there is one lesson I have learned – Gino smiles – it is that If you are not the strongest in the race, the only way to win is to break away.And today I gave it my all, right down to the wire. Even if you know you have all the strongest behind you, Your spirit must not be conditioned by it. Spirit makes the difference.The bike is giving me a lot. I remember very well when we went in 2019 with Dimension Data in South Africa to deliver bicycles to children. I remember their smiles and I thought that I also want the same joy when I see my bikeI want to enjoy running, I want a happy life and the bicycle can give it to me."
Giro, what a passion
Behind there is the Swiss cycling school, which allows children to try all disciplines from a young age and then guides them in choosing the most suitable one.
«I had some good mentors – he says – like Daniel Gisiger (professional from 1977 to 1988 and winner of two stages at the Giro, ed.) who He took me to the track and then to the road and ultimately helped me find my wayI don't know where this Giro will take me or how it will continue. We'll talk on the bus. I might break away again or pull for a teammate, but I'll be happy to do so. I want to enjoy the Giro d'Italia, I've always thought it's the most beautiful race in the world.».
