Ganna happy to get revenge on Evenepoel: "Didn't know after World Cup if they wanted me in the Vuelta"

At the World Championships in Glasgow, he fell short by twelve seconds. However, in the tenth stage of the Vuelta a España, Filippo Ganna, representing INEOS Grenadiers, hit the mark in the time trial. The Italian cyclist dominated at all intermediate checkpoints and ultimately finished 16 seconds ahead of Remco Evenepoel, the rider who had previously defeated him in Glasgow.

Following the individual time trial, a satisfied Ganna is sitting with the organization. "I am very happy. After the Giro (where Ganna had to withdraw after seven days due to a COVID-19 infection), winning here was a personal goal, so this is a dream come true. Now, with two more weeks to go, we will continue to strive harder as a team."

INEOS entered the Vuelta a España with ambitions for the general classification, primarily with Geraint Thomas and possibly Thymen Arensman. However, due to a crash, Thomas lost considerable time in the first week, and Arensman even had to withdraw from the Vuelta. Consequently, Ganna was able to fully focus on the time trial on Tuesday, knowing that his team leaders no longer had a chance to win the overall race.

Ganna worked hard to be in the Vuelta

The victory will undoubtedly provide a significant morale boost for INEOS, where Ganna was expected to play a crucial role as a domestique. "After the World Championships, I wasn't sure if they would include me in the Vuelta or not. I put in a lot of hard work to be here with G (Geraint Thomas, ed.). We trained together extensively before the Giro as well. So, being here now is fantastic, even though the Vuelta has been challenging for us thus far."

On paper, the individual time trial appeared tailor-made for the Italian, and in practice, he proved it. Wearing his Italian national champion jersey, he stood his ground. "The course was exceptionally scenic, and we were fortunate with the weather. I really relished it."