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After explaining to his runners how to move towards the finish line in Oropa today, Beppe Martinelli reveals the plans of theAstana and also gives his point of view on the tactics that were seen in the group yesterday. The first half, in fact, was very lively and at times nervous.
«Yesterday we didn’t hope for anything better, the important thing was not to lose as much as many others did. The first three at the finish line did a great job, we positioned ourselves well with Lutsenko. We didn’t want to waste time and so we did. I am satisfied”.
Could today’s stage be for Lorenzo Fortunato?
«Yes, if there is a real battle with the men in the rankings, he could also be there. In reality, what we really want from Fortunato is to aim for a few stages further ahead. We don’t want to give him the stress of running as leader throughout the Giro, he will only be leader today. We gave him carte blanche: if he feels he has good legs he can leave.”
How will you move in the next stages?
«What is certain is that Lutsenko will be the leader. We are not yet clear whether we will focus everything on the general classification or whether we will look at the opportunities that the stages can provide. We will understand later, perhaps after Prati di Tivo. I think I have a strong team even if some don’t believe in it that much.”
Yesterday the UAE’s tactics were not very clear. How can you judge it from the point of view of a sports director?
«For the first day I think that as a team they spent too much. Then of course, he had the personal goal of dedicating the victory to the missing boy from the Pogi Team but this became known after the arrival. But I thought it could have been a smoother ride for him, but no. His nature is to always give everything: that’s fine, that’s also the beauty of this cycling.”
Could it be true that he sprinted too far or didn’t want to waste too much energy?
«In my opinion he underestimated others a little and overestimated himself in the sprint. From my point of view he didn’t make a mistake, but it’s true that he started a little too long.”
Will there be surprises on the winner today like there were yesterday, given that everyone took Pogacar’s pink jersey for granted?
«No, today he wants to win. It’s the first uphill finish and he’ll want to make a good impression. And I say this as a fan but I think anyone is.”
