Dorian Godon hits stride in Italy, betters del Toro to take win for Netcompany INEOS: 'I was really wiped out'

Godon had to just tough it out a bit during Thursday’s Italian one-day race, he said afterward in a flash interview. “I actually thought I was going to lose today because I wasn’t feeling well. However, the team did a fantastic job and put me in a good position heading into the final kilometer. In the final kilometre, I just followed Axel [Laurance]."

Laurance brought his compatriot up to the front, allowing Godon to avoid a crash and leaving him to outpace only Anthon Charmig (Uno-X Mobility) and Alberto Bettiol (XDS Astana) in a three-way sprint.

“I gave it my all,” he said of the sprint, in which Charmig made things difficult for him. The Norwegian, who had already impressed at the World Championships by tagging along with Mathieu van der Poel, was understandably disappointed.

"I wouldn't say I expected a podium finish today, but I was certainly hoping for one," Charmig said with confidence. “I’m in good shape and knew this final suited me. It was a tough sprint, where positioning was key. I was very confident we’d catch up to Isaac del Toro and Finn Fisher-Black.”

Godon wasn't brimming with confidence, but he did win again.

"This is my best year," he said with conviction. “Netcompany INEOS gives me a lot of confidence, and when I get the chance, I’m a reliable rider. Counting the team time trial at Paris-Nice this is already my eighth victory, and we’re working hard for that. Although I’ve also finished second quite often.”

With all those victories and the support of INEOS, Godon can now be counted among the world’s top punchers. Still, he had to dig deep to win the Gran Piemonte.

“I knew I had to go all out 200 meters from the finish line. It’s been an hour and a half now, and I’m only just starting to feel a little better. I was really wiped out,” he said in the mixed zone to Eurosport.

"I'm more of a puncher than a sprinter," the Frenchman went on to emphasise. At the press conference, he added: "I'm a nice person, but when I see the finish line, I get more aggressive. I’m really happy with this team and proud of my season. After all this, I’d like to add Milan–Sanremo and a stage win in a Grand Tour to my list of achievements.”