Martinez says Pogacar is on another planet, Tiberi issues major warning to his competitors

Tadej Pogacar once again dotted the i's during Saturday's climb to Prati di Tivo in the first week of the Giro d'Italia. The Slovenian of UAE-Team Emirates easily beat the competition in the uphill sprint, with second-place Daniel Felipe Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe) leading the way. Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) attempted an attack.

The Colombian, who has beaten Remco Evenepoel twice this year in the Tour of Algarve and is also known for his sharp start, had to admit that Pogacar is in a different league. "As we approached the last two kilometers, I thought it might be my chance. But, Pogacar was just incredible, you know. He did an almost perfect sprint."

During the final kilometer, Martínez didn't really think about attacking, which he frankly admitted. "We had to remain patient. My focus was on Tadej, because I thought he would go for the stage win. But I was at my limit and couldn't go faster," said the Colombian after the intense uphill sprint at Prati di Tivo.

This strengthened his second place in the general classification, thanks to a strong leadout from teammate Maximilian Schachmann. "The team is amazing, they did a great job again. Sunday is normally easier, but we still need to keep our focus," he tells Eurosport, clearly with the intention of keeping his team alert.

Tiberi knew Prati di Tivo would be a tough challenge

In the last kilometers, Tiberi launched two attacks. "It wasn't exactly the plan, but I wanted to try something. But it wasn't to be. It was a difficult ride from the start, but I knew that after scouting this stage," said the man who finished fifth. "I think I did quite well, but I also felt good after the time trial. Now, the stage to Naples is up next, and then the rest day, where we can recover," said Tiberi.

"This is just the start of the Giro, really," Tiberi continued on the team website. "We’re eight stages in, and I know myself – I get stronger as the days go by. It was like that during the Vuelta last year, and hopefully it will be the same for this Giro. Even on the Oropa stage I felt strong, and if it weren’t for a bit of bad luck that day, I’d be second in the GC."

"But that’s our sport, I only look forwards, and everyone’s going to have a bit of misfortune between now and Rome," concludes the young Italian. "Ultimately, it's all about the general classification. I tried a few attacks, and I showed I’m in good shape. It’s a long race, and we’re doing exactly what we need to."

O'Connor sees very strong team in pursuit of Giro podium spot

Ben O'Connor was the surprising third-place finisher in the stage to Prati di Tivo. The Australian team leader of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale is now fourth in the general classification and can continue his pursuit of a podium spot, knowing that the team is very strong overall. Valentin Paret-Peintre was in the lead for a long time, his brother Aurélien was able to support O'Connor for a long time, and Alex Baudin also rode alongside his team captain for a long time.

"The team is in great shape. I was really with my teammates the whole time. I'm very happy with how this stage went. I really went all out in the sprint, but a third place is not bad at all. Hopefully, I can do even better next time," said the man who has to accept Pogacar, Martinez and Geraint Thomas ahead of him in the standings.