Andre Greipel has said that he was proud of his victory on stage twelve of the Giro D'Italia.
The victory was the German's third win in this race and the Lotto Soudal rider said: The stage winner, André Greipel, said in the press conference: “I’ve always been a bit of an underdog so it’s not too bad for an underdog to reach twenty stage victories in Grand Tours. I’m proud of it. It’s also thanks to teamwork. Experience pays off. Caleb Ewan chose the wrong side to try and pass me today. I knew the crosswind was coming from the left side so I wasn’t going to let anyone pass me on my right. Caleb’s time will come. I understand if the fans are not happy with my decision to abandon tonight but I have a lot of respect for Giro and I hope I can come back to fight for the Maglia Rossa one time. This year, I’ve had a difficult start to the season, what with crashes and chasing good form. I fought hard to be in this shape for the Giro. I’m a human being, not a machine. This 12th stage was always to be my last one. I had to take this decision with my coach and my team to prepare for the upcoming goals.”
The Maglia Rosa, Bob Jungels, said in the press conference: “I haven’t done any of the climbs of the Giro yet so it will be a surprise for me tomorrow and the next few days. But I’m ready to fight for the jersey. I’ve showed my form is good. Maybe it’s up to the favourites to say if they see me as a GC contender. For me it’s the first time to be in this situation. I didn’t expect to take the Maglia Rosa at all. I’m still in it after the 12th stage going to the big mountains, and it’s a great pleasure.”
FINAL RESULT
1 - André Greipel (Lotto Soudal) - 182km in 4h16'00", average speed 42.656km/h
2 - Caleb Ewan (Orica Greenedge) s.t.
3 - Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek - Segafredo) s.t.
JERSEYS
- Maglia Rosa (pink), General Classification, sponsored by Enel - Bob Jungels (Etixx - Quick-Step)
- Maglia Rossa (red), Sprint Classification, sponsored by Algida - André Greipel (Lotto Soudal)
- Maglia Azzurra (blue), Mountains Classification, sponsored by Banca Mediolanum - Damiano Cunego (Nippo - Vini Fantini)
- Maglia Bianca (white), Young Rider Classification, sponsored by Eurospin - Bob Jungels (Etixx - Quick-Step)
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION
1 - Bob Jungels (Etixx - Quick-Step)
2 - Andrey Amador (Movistar Team) at 24"
3 - Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team) at 1'07"
STATISTICS
- Now with 23 days in the Maglia Rosa, riders from Luxembourg are only one step below the Netherlands. Those two countries have claimed 9 out of 12 days in the race lead in this Giro d’Italia (6 for The Netherlands, 3 for Luxembourg)
- First podium for Caleb Ewan at the Giro d’Italia. It’s also the first podium for any Australian rider this year
- 12th podium at the Giro d’Italia for Giacomo Nizzolo: 8 second places and 4 third places. The first stage win is yet to come