BORGO VALSUGANA – Third place in the general classification at the Tour of the Alps it is a result that certainly has grafted trust into Antonio Tiberi. Il Tour of Italy as captain for Bahrain-Victorious It's a challenge the 22-year-old from Frosinone knows he can't approach with too much irreverence. However, at the end of each stage, his icy eyes revealed a solid and resolute determination, confirmed by every statement he made to journalists and TV.
The white jersey won at TotA it could be a goal for the Corsa Rosa too, but from his words we can understand that goals are ambitiousMay 4th is approaching, and it's Antonio's first Giro, so we asked him how he's approaching this important debut.
What condition did you find at Tour of the Alps?
Let's say that already from Catalunya I saw a condition that was improving. Then I spent some time at high altitude on Teide where we worked well, and then came here to the Alps, where I have to say I was very happy with how I immediately found the right feeling after a period of altitude. This feeling I'm having now, heading into the Giro d'Italia, isn't bad.
At altitude, have you done any particular work on long climbs?
Yes, we were on Teide so there were always climbs that were almost over an hour long. Let's say that we trained a lot on long climbs and above all with a lot of work, because I was only two weeks away from this race (TotA, ed.) so we didn't do a lot of specific or overly stressful work.
What were your expectations before the main stage of the TotA?
First of all, I had to see how my legs responded after the cold and rain of the previous stage. I told myself that if the sensations were good, I would try to unlock myself as soon as possible, and then try to stay with the best and maybe fight for the final ranking, and so it was.
How did you structure the lead-up to the Giro, that is, the days before?
After Tour of the Alps and Liège, I left to try a couple of stages of the Giro, the Perugia time trial, and then another stage in the Marche region. Finally, I'll try to recover as much as possible and stay calm, get the right training in, and then leave for Turin.
What will your approach to the Giro be? Will every day be a new discovery, or do you already have ambitions?
Not yet, because it is precisely my first Grand Tour and I will start as captain for the ranking, so it will be a bit of a new experience and I will definitely try to give my best.
How are you preparing?
I'm doing my best to get to this appointment in 100 percent condition and then we'll see how it goes from the first stages given that, as we all know, This year is a very challenging journey right from the start.
Do you feel pressure from outside?
I've noticed that there's a little more attention on me this year, but I have to say that it's something that perhaps gives me energy and encourages me to do well. Luckily I don't feel too much pressure.
Where do you feel you belong among the big names?
Beyond Pogacar, I think I'm there for play with the best. In this Tour of the Alps I realized that I recover well and can be ready day after day.
Is there anyone helping you manage this balancing act between expectations and responsibilities?
I have to say that the team is really counting on me a lot, they are doing their best to make me arrive at the Giro in the best shape and They're not letting me miss anything, from the sporting directors to my teammates. For now, I just have to thank them and say they're doing an excellent job. It'll be up to me to repay them with results.
