Roglic takes Giro Stage 9 Chianti TT
Slovenian rider Primoz Roglic, riding in his first ever grand tour, took the stage win today in the Giro d’Italia’s Chianti time trial. The 26 year old rider went 10 seconds faster than Matthias Brändle (IAM Cycling) over 40.5 kilometres.
Slovenian rider Primoz Roglic, riding in his first ever grand tour, took the stage win today in the Giro d’Italia’s Chianti time trial. The 26 year old rider went 10 seconds faster than Matthias Brändle (IAM Cycling) over 40.5 kilometres.
Roglic, who finished just 1/100 of a second behind the winner in the opening time trial in Apeldoorn, could not be stopped today. “Awesome,” the Slovenian said. “This victory still comes as a surprise for me, but I was more confident after that first stage. I felt strong and knew that I would have a chance if I was able to give everything."
Behind Roglic, Jos van Emden, Maarten Tjallingii, Martijn Keizer and Steven Kruijswijk finished eighth, ninth, 16th and 21st, respectively. “This is great,” Sports Director Jan Boven said. “These are the most beautiful days for a sports director. Steven’s 21st place is very good. He’s still in a very good position and won seconds on the most of his competitors. This day went perfect for us. We’re only the fifth team to win a stage in this Giro and we still finished every day in the top 10.”
On Monday, the riders have a day of rest, but the Giro d’Italia will continue with a tough stage on Tuesday. “We’re going to enjoy a small drink for this victory tonight, but we’re not going to party,” Boven said. “We have a rest day tomorrow, but it’s going to be tough on Tuesday. The favourites don’t have much difference between them so we have to stay focused.”
Photo Credit: ANSA - Beardy McBeard - Peri