Giro d'Italia, Simon Yates realized one of his dreams
Here are statements from the big players of the 108th edition of the Giro d’Italia at the end of the last stage in Rome, starting with the pink jersey, Britain’s Simon Yates.
Simon Yates (winner of Giro d’Italia number 108): “Since I turned professional, I have always dreamed of winning the most important races, and the Grand Tours are the pinnacle of our sport. You all know what happened to me at the Giro in 2018: I had ups and downs here in Italy, but this race kept calling me, and I finally won it. During this Giro, victory seemed further and further away every day, but the guys encouraged me to go for it. I believed in it, too, and I made it on a crazy day. I was planning to attack on that climb. I knew I had good legs and I wanted to stay alone, focus on my effort. I can give more in long, steady efforts than in the more explosive stages. Today’s day was incredible, right from the morning. Also, receiving the Pope’s blessing was an unforgettable moment for me and for all the runners”.
Isaac Del Toro (runner-up and White Jersey): “I am 21 years old, just as 21 are the stages of the Giro. I am overjoyed to be on the final podium, although a little disappointed to lose the Pink Jersey on the penultimate day. I am proud of my race. I was always in front. It was an incredible thrill to ride the Giro. I am sure I will be back, with even more hunger for victory”.
Richard Carapaz (third place=: “It was a wonderful experience to fight with all my strength. This Giro was something fantastic. I gave everything I had, trying in every way to win, it was my mission from day one. I am happy with this third place. I will come back to win the Giro again. It was my fourth participation and I got on the podium for the third time. I think this is my race. The affection of the public always touches me. Italy always experiences a celebration with the Giro, and that is what I like most”.
Olav Kooij (winner of the last stage in Rome): “It was a perfect final weekend for us. We achieved one last goal together with the team: to win the last stage. This is really great. At the beginning of the Giro we were aiming for stage wins and the general classification with Simon Yates. From Wout van Aert’s first win onwards we got unstuck. We looked every day for who had the best chance to win. For today’s finish, Wout thought it was best for me. I am grateful to him. Having a champion like him in front of me to pilot me in the sprint made everything easier. I would like to print the photo of the victory today in Rome: it is something I will keep forever”.
