Gallery & Quotes: Recapping The First Week Of The Giro D'Italia

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The first week of this year's Giro d'Italia delivered actionfilled stages and a successfull start to the first Grand Tour of the year for Tudor Pro Cycling.

Read what our riders Michael Storer, Rick Pluimers, Maikel Zijlaard, Yannis Voisard, Marco Brenner and our DS Matteo Tosatto had to say on today's rest day.

Michael Storer:

“The first week of this Giro d’Italia has gone solidly for me. We worked very well as a team, and I felt good all week. 

Regarding racing, we have not done any real mountain stages yet, so there’s still a lot to come in this Giro. 

Despite the two crashes, I’m feeling good and luckily remained without any major injuries. 

For the second week of the Giro, I’m not expecting big shifts in the GC, as there are a few chances for the sprinters and the breakaway to fight for glory.“

Rick Pluimers: “I’m feeling good but also tired. The past days have been very intense, so I can definitely feel the legs. This Giro d’Italia has been an amazing experience so far. With all the spectators along the road, you can really feel how big this race is. Everyone is cheering for you, even when you’re far behind in the race. The first weekend in Albania was not the best for me in terms of racing, but since then, the legs are turning quite well, and I’m happy I was able to support Michael Storer on the gravel yesterday. I’m looking forward to the upcoming week of racing as we might get one or two chances to contest the sprint with Maikel Zijlaard.“

Maikel Zijlaard: “This first week was increbile!I’ve never been to Albania, so it was a big pleasure to visit this country and kick off my first Giro d’Italia there. Two top-10 and a podium finish in the first week of my first Grand Tour, that’s really cool and something I’m very happy about. The team has worked very well together and we have a very uplifting and motivating vibe on the team, it’s fun to race with the boys. The goal was to do well in the sprints and see how the results are, ending up with a podium on the first sprint stage is something not many would have expected I think. After a stint on the white roads of Tuscany we’ll hopefully get another chance or two to contest a bunch sprint before it’s off to the mountains.“

Yannis Voisard:

“The first stretch of the Giro d’Italia is done, and as it’s my first Grand Tour, it was very special for me. For us, it was a good start to the Giro with Michael Storer in the mix for the GC and Maikel Zijlaard in contention for the sprints. I’m feeling good and can’t wait to get the second week of the Giro underway.“

Marco Brenner:

“9 days of racing done, and today I’m really enjoying the rest day. As a team, I think we’ve done a good job supporting our GC rider Michael Storer. I tried to make the jump to the breakaway of the day on Saturday, but unfortunately missed the group. A few stages are coming up that might suit me quite well, and I’m looking forward to the next week of racing in Italy.“ 

Matteo Tosatto, Sports Director:

“Overall, we’ve had a very positive first block of racing here at the Giro d’Italia.

Michael Storer is going strong in the GC. He didn’t lose too much time yesterday, and the boys are doing a great job giving him the best support possible. With Maikel Zijlaard, we were already able to score a podium result on a sprint stage. 

Tomorrow is another important day for the GC - we’re ready for another week here at the Giro!“