It almost seems as if Antonio Tiberi's Giro d'Italia is passing unnoticed. But after nine stages, the Italian rider is actually third in the GC, one and a half minutes behind pink jersey holder Isaac Del Toro and not far behind Juan Ayuso (both UAE Team Emirates-XRG). This is already a good starting position for Tiberi, which he believes can only improve. So far, the
Bahrain Victorious leader has been remarkably consistent. "After this first week, I have to say that I feel very good," Tiberi told
CyclingPro. The 23-year-old rider has good legs and feels his condition improving day by day. "I can say that I am pleased with how I feel. The best moment for me so far was the gravel stage. I liked it, and I enjoyed it. I can't think of a bad moment so far, so I would say I've been lucky."
Tiberi finished twelfth in the opening stage in Albania. He improved his position in the rankings throughout the week. After five days in eighth place, the number five in the 2024 Giro moved up to the top five in this edition. Yet the rider remains realistic: "We know it's difficult to complete a Grand Tour without a bad day or at least a day when you're not at your best."
And so Tiberi warns that he, too, may encounter some setbacks. "Because I haven't had any so far, I will either put this myth to rest, or there will be days between now and the end that I will have to face with more determination to overcome them."
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Tiberi confident heading into second week: "I want to keep believing I can win"
But Tiberi, who had already set
a goal before the podium, also knows that he often gets better during a three-week stage race. "I think the second week will go better than the first. Based on my previous experiences, I am very confident. Normally, I get better and better as the race goes on."
The confidence Tiberi is talking about is certainly justified. When the climber looks at the GC, he sees himself in a position that satisfies him. "At the end of the first week, I am where I wanted to be. Third place in the GC is fantastic. The Giro d'Italia is far from over; I am in good shape and there, and anything is still possible. In my head, I want to keep believing that I can win."