TOUR OF ITALY | 05/16/2024 | 08:24
by Francesca Monzone
After the withdrawal of the Belgian Cian Uijtdebroeks, Antonio Tiberi has become the leader of the ranking reserved for the best young player and now he hopes to be the one to wear the white shirt in Rome, symbol of the strongest young man. «It is probably the realization of a dream to go on stage at the Giro d’Italia with the white jersey. Fin since I was a child they took me to the street to watch the race go by and today it’s fantastic for me to think that I will get on the podium of this race.”
The Belgian from Visma – Lease a Bike was forced to withdraw due to a flu virus which is affecting many riders. Tiberi also had some health problems at the start of the race, but now he is well and he wants to try to win a stage if there is an opportunity.
“Unfortunately I also had this virus at the beginning of the Giro and Damiano Caruso had also been hit. Since we’re roommates, maybe he passed it to me. Unfortunately it’s something that goes around within the group and in the end even with the temperatures that are there, with the sudden changes in heat and cold it’s more difficult to recover.”
The Lazio rider is having a good Giro now and in addition to being the leader of the youth category, he is fifth in the general classification, 4’27” behind leader Tadej Pogacar in the pink jersey.
«From today I wear the white shirt, for me, being Italian, it is an honor and a pride. I would like to arrive in Rome with this symbol of the race and I will give my best to preserve it.”
Tiberi has so far been the only rider who has tried to attack Pogar and for this the Slovenian champion praised him, considering him a talented rider with a decisive character.
«I learned that Pogacar complimented me and for me it is a source of pride, naturally. When I read his words I was very happy, also because they come from an important champion. When my condition is good, I always try to have my say and show myself in the race, it’s part of my character.”
The second week has now begun and the pink race is at the halfway point. On Saturday there will be the time trial in Desenzano sul Garda and on Sunday it will be the turn of the stage with arrival in Livigno, where the Mortirolo will also be faced.
«The third week will certainly be challenging and we will have to save all our energy on the days when it is possible to do so. In Tuesday’s stage I don’t think I made any mistakes, criticism is always welcome because we can learn. The stage I would like to win in this Giro is definitely Livigno, because they are roads that I know thanks to the many retreats I have done, it is the hardest stage and I want to do well. In the last week there will be the one in Bassano del Grappa and I’m sure it will be very treacherous.”
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