Marcel Kittel (Etixx-QuickStep) is well aware that the pink leader’s jersey is within his grasp on the opening weekend of the Giro d’Italia, but he was almost too scared to admit it.
The German might not be a favouite for Friday’s opening 9.8km time trial in Apeldoorn, but if he can hold his own then the following two sprint stages – where bonus seconds are available – represent a chance to don the maglia rosa, which would go alongside the maillot jaune he’s already worn in the Tour de France.
“It’s a possibility, but I don’t want to create a situation where I say I really have to go for pink,” said Kittel at the Etixx-QuickStep team’s pre-race press conference on Thursday. “But if there’s a chance I’d be really happy to take it. If not, no worries.”
ADVERTISEMENT
For that reason, Kittel insists he will “give everything on Friday” in order to leave himself in the best possible position. He described the flat 9.8km Apeldoorm course as “super fast” and “not technically challenging”, and his power will be an advantage over the relatively short distance.
“I’m not a GC guy but if there is an opportunity that would make it possible, it would be great to try at least - that’s the mentality I have for the time trial," he said. "I will just try to give everything, then see where I end up.”
Kittel may, understandably, have been cagey about the enticing prospect of wearing pink, but he was bold enough to emblazon his intentions on a special Giro wristband, which he’s also handed out to all of his teammates.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest News http://ift.tt/1WbZKNy
No comments:
Post a Comment