New white jersey holder Tiberi offers words of sympathy for rival Uijtdebroeks: "I really sympathize with Cian"

The Giro d'Italia peloton was shaken on Wednesday by the withdrawal of Cian Uijtdebroeks from Visma | Lease a Bike. Ranked fifth overall and wearing the white jersey, he was too ill to continue racing, which automatically transferred his jersey to the next in line in that classification: Antonio Tiberi, the highest-ranked Italian in the standings from Bahrain Victorious.

"I now have the white jersey, but this isn’t how I expected to get it," the cyclist said in his flash interview after the stage won by fellow countryman Jonathan Milan. "I also sympathize with Cian, I don't think this will be easy for him," he added, offering some encouragement to his sidelined competitor.

"I now hold the white jersey and am still in contention in the GC, so I'm proud and happy about that," he continued. At Bahrain Victorious, they are also focusing on German sprinter Phil Bauhaus, who finished eighth after Tim Merlier's (Soudal Quick-Step) disqualification. "I have to congratulate Phil because we worked hard for it," he praised his teammates.

Tiberi already looks forward to tough weekend with time trial and mountain stage

"These aren’t the easiest days for me. I’m not a fan of the speed on the flats; I prefer the mountains," Tiberi laughed after the race. "The upcoming stages could be tough again. Thursday has many hills, followed by a challenging weekend with the time trial and the stage to Livigno."

Tiberi has a 56-second lead over compatriot Filippo Zana, who competes for Jayco AlUla, in the battle for the white jersey. Thymen Arensman is third on behalf of INEOS Grenadiers, 1.25 minutes behind the Italian from Bahrain Victorious.