No chance at UAE? Baroncini got his shot in the Baloise Belgium Tour: "I worked hard for them in the Giro"

Baroncini didn't rest for long, as he was back at the start of the Baloise Belgium Tour just over two weeks after the Giro d'Italia. The Italian started as co-leader. “After putting in such a strong performance in the Giro, Florian Vermeersch and I aimed to finish high in the GC. I was ready for it and didn’t give up after the Giro, partly because I could feel that my legs were responding well. So I said we had to take advantage of that,” the 24-year-old UAE rider told Bici.

The Italian certainly took advantage of that, resulting in an overall victory. “It's never easy in Belgium; there are always obstacles. You have to stay alert and avoid crashes. But I had a great team around me; we helped each other, and the result was immediately visible.”

So, Baroncini suddenly became UAE's leader. “That was nice! It was a different feeling for a change, in that I'm more used to helping others and that being helped is a way of repaying them for the sacrifices I make for the team. I worked hard for them in the Giro, so I know how that feels, and this time, it was nice to get something back.” However, there was no pressure. “I'm not someone who feels it often; sometimes you should feel it more! And in the right dose, it helps.”

The Italian struck an important blow in the time trial, cycling himself into a good starting position. “I started to think that the next day might be the right moment.” Ultimately, the next day, Baroncini took over the leader's jersey after staying ahead with an early attack. “Because you don't always get the chance to really race; it's a new emotion every time. You're fighting at the front, it's fun, and it gives you energy. I pushed so hard because I wanted to win the GC, not so much the stage. I would have raced differently if I had wanted to win the stage. But the overall classification is worth more.”

The newly crowned winner of the Baloise Belgium Tour is now traveling to his home country, where he will compete in the Italian time trial and road championships. “I've seen the time trial route on VeloViewer. There are no climbs. It's a very linear time trial, perfect for pushing hard. There are also some technical corners, but I ride well on a time trial bike. I'm feeling calm.”

His form has improved in recent months, and he is ahead of the Italian championship. "It's great, especially when the compliments come from other teams. It's a source of pride. The Giro has taken me a step forward, mentally, too. It was my second big Giro after the Vuelta, which made the difference in my legs."