Philip Deignan has a chat with his directeur sportif while in today's breakaway group at the Giro del Trentino.
By Gerard Cromwell
Philip Deignan was in the thick of the action on the final stage of the Giro del Trentino in Italy today, going clear in a breakaway group of 12 riders on the 175km stage which featured three tough climbs, including the hors-categorie finale up Monte Bondone.
But with Deignan having started the day in 19th place overall, just 2’28” behind race leader Cadel Evans, the Aussie’s BMC squad were forced to lead the chase behind in an effort to stop the Letterkenny man taking over at the top of GC.
"We made sure Philip was in there," said Sky directeur sportif Dario Cioni afterwards.
"It gave him a chance to get out there and ride but his decent GC position also meant that BMC had to chase a bit."
Advertisement
Related News
Unfortunately for Deignan and the rest of the escape group, their advantage came to nought just before the final ascent, with Mikel Landa of Astana going on to win the stage ahead of up and coming South African rider Louis Mentjes of MTN Qhubeka.
Evans finished fifth and took overall victory.
Although Deignan drifted back on the final climb, his job had been done and the long day out front indicates that the Donegal man is back in decent form ahead of the Giro d’Italia, in three weeks time.
“I felt pretty strong today but we never got a big enough gap,” admitted Deignan afterwards.
“The team wanted somebody in the front group today. Getting caught before the last 19km climb wasn’t ideal but I felt good out there and that’s a good sign.”
Deignan will now join the Sky squad in Belfast for the Giro d’Italia on May 9, and is looking forward to riding his fourth edition of the race on home roads.
“I’m very excited about it,” he said.
“It will be a special experience. The plan is to ride through the first half of the race without too much pressure and then see what I can do in the last week.”
Topics
