Ganna storms into pink jersey

Turin Grande Partenza sees time trial ace ride into the maglia rosa

- James Shrubsall

The city of Turin was in festive mood to watch home rider Filippo Ganna blaze into the lead on the first stage of the Giro d’Italia last weekend.

‘Emphatic’ is the only word for the Ineos Grenadier’s win in the short 8.6km city centre time trial, which saw him beat Jumbo-Visma pairing Edoardo Affii and Tobias Foss into second and third by 10 and 13 seconds respectively – significant margins over such a short distance.

It was the Italian’s fifth Giro stage win, following the four he won in last year’s race, which included all three-time trials.

“The radio was not working much,” Ganna revealed afterwards, “so I said ‘Filippo, go full gas’, listening to the people at the side of the road. I was able to arrive with this amazing victory.”

Indeed, the 24-year-old powerhouse even found the time to wave to fans at the side of the road.

Ganna added: “After [the Tour de] Romandie, my power was not so high. Now it’s back and I’m really happy. It felt like a long time waiting in the hot seat for the stage to finish. But I’m here and I’m really happy.”