For the first time in this Giro d’Italia 2024 Tadej Pogacar did not attack. In fact, the UAE Team Emitates phenom enjoyed an all-too-quiet stage that ended in a sprint victory by the mighty Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek). According to the Slovenian in the pink jersey, who maintains a 46-second margin over second overall Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers), this is thanks to his team that kept him out of trouble throughout the stage. Speaking to our microphones after the stage, the 1998 class climber also wanted to talk about the future sprint chances of his teammate Sebastian Molano.

How was today’s stage for you?
“It was a pretty smooth stage because the team did a great job. Every part of the way they kept me safe and also entertained me, so it was a good stage.”

How did it go today for your sprinter Sebastian Molano?
“Molano had a pretty difficult day today. He crashed and had to change bikes in the last 15 kilometers which is a very difficult thing on these roads especially when you don’t have a team that was built around you. It’s a tough Giro for him but I think he’s enjoyed it so far and will try to win some stages.”

Will we see you trying to help him in the sprints or is he too dangerous in terms of the overall standings?
“I think today would have been too dangerous even in case Molano had been in front. When I reached the end of the last climb I slowed down and simply watched the chaos in front of me.”