"Not sure if I am happier with my own win or with Simon’s Giro victory" Harper celebrates double joy after former teammate’s triumph

Jayco AlUla came to the Giro hoping for a strong GC run with Harper as their leader. But after the first week, it quickly became clear that would be a tough ask. “It’s been a really challenging Giro, both mentally and physically,” Harper said in his flash interview. “I felt good in the first week, but then got sick on the second rest day. The second week was really hard, and I slipped out of GC contention. After that, it was all about recovering and seeing if I could target a stage win.”

That goal was achieved, and on the final mountain stage no less. Adding to the celebration was Yates’ overall victory. Harper knows the Brit well from their time together at the Australian team. “I don’t know what I am happier about, winning the stage or seeing Simon take the Giro. He is a great guy and I had the pleasure of racing a few seasons with him. We shared a lot of races and I honestly don’t think anyone deserves it more,” Harper beamed about his former teammate.

It was still a battle on the climb to Sestrière, where Harper felt the pressure from the fast-closing Brit from Visma Lease a Bike. “I didn’t really believe it until about 1.5 kilometers to go. Up to that point, I was suffering a lot and I knew Simon was coming from behind. We were teammates for a long time, so I know just how strong he can be. I was a little worried he might catch me.”

Winning here had not been something the Australian climber expected. “It wasn’t really the plan. I wasn’t too sure how things would play out. I thought maybe it would turn into a big GC fight and they would be going for the stage. But I managed to get away with a strong breakaway, and from there I rode my own pace on the Finestre and went solo. After that, it was all about managing my effort and hoping I could hold on.”