Ganna goes up against Jumbo-Visma in the Vuelta, but: "Questions about that are better left to G"

Filippo Ganna had to acknowledge Remco Evenepoel as his superior at the World Time Trial Championship in Stirling on Friday, but the Italian was at peace with it. During the post-race press conference, he talked about his fatigue after the championship, the upcoming Vuelta, and his younger teammate Joshua Tarling.

"I'm tired," Ganna admitted as he took his seat. "I've been in Glasgow for two weeks for the track and this time trial, so I'm pleased with the result. I would have preferred gold over silver, but Remco's cycling is in another universe. Hats off to him," he said sportsmanlike. "Remco is the man; I don't compare myself to him. He is both the future and the present."

The powerful rider already had several races, including a world title, in his bag to take home after a week in Scotland. What did he think of the World Championships? "For me, it's difficult to combine. On the track, I ride a few kilometers, now more than 45. I can't really say more about that; I have to focus on my recovery for the Vuelta."

Ganna doesn't want to talk about Vuelta yet and praises Tarling

In the Vuelta, Ganna is one of the men tasked with keeping the Jumbo-Visma duo Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard from victory. "I have to stay with the team leader, but whether we can beat Jumbo-Visma? I think you'd better ask G about that," he deflected the question to Geraint Thomas.

The Italian called Evenepoel the future, but what about his younger teammate Joshua Tarling (19 years old and third in the World Championship)? "Joshua is still young. We're not putting any pressure on him; he needs time. If he loses two kilos of fat and gains two kilos of muscle, he'll be tough to beat."