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The Portuguese João Almeida (Deceuninck-QuickStep) said on Wednesday that he “really thought” that he was going to lose the lead of the Tour of Italy by bike in the 17th stage, now promising that he will “fight” on Thursday 18 2nd stage that includes Stelvio.
“I really thought I could lose it today, because the margin is small [de 17 segundos para o holandês Wilco Kelderman, da Sunweb], and I am super happy to endure another day ”, declared the 22-year-old.
After a day in which he controlled the attacks of the Sunweb, Kelderman but also the Australian Jai Hindley, third at 2.58 minutes, Almeida went to another pink day after canceling an attack by the Dutchman.
“They attacked, it was a good attack, but I felt good. Then there was only Fausto [Masnada], and set a great pace, “he explained.
The youth leader also revealed that he is “very happy” with his performance “and with the team”, showing “great pride” for the result they are doing, now promising to “fight” to continue being leader in the 18th stage, in the fifth . , which includes the ‘mythical’ Passo di Stelvio, an “incredible climb” that he says he likes.
“It’s beautiful, I already did it and I’m very excited. […] I am very happy with my Giro. If I lose my shirt tomorrow [quinta-feira], will still be good. I am very proud of the team and I only have the jersey for them, ”he said.
Today, which also ended with the climb to Madonna di Campiglio, with victory for the ‘resistant’ of the escape, the Australian Ben O’Connor (NTT), Kelderman tried to attack, but Masnada and Almeida closed the possibility, by imposing “a very high pace “that eliminated any idea of trying to make a difference in the minds of the candidates.
After the end of the stage, Italian Fausto Masnada, tenth overall, also explained that the team managed to do “one more good job”, guaranteeing “another pink day” for the Portuguese cyclist.
“I tried to do my best on the last climb, to protect João and not waste time. […] Let’s see tomorrow [quinta-feira]We have a strong team here ”, he guaranteed.
With 15 days in the pink, João Almeida takes the lead on Thursday in the 18th round, which connects Pinzolo with Laghi di Cancano in 207 kilometers, including two first-class climbs, one almost over the finish line and another special category, the Passo say Stelvio.
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