Tirreno–Adriatico - Stage 8

Last year at Tirreno, we saw the overall win slip away in the final TT by less than a second, and we suspected today that it would be decided by seconds.

Although Simon hadn’t been in this position at this race, he has a twin brother who can provide some insight, which I’d say must be the next best thing. 

I don’t think anyone in the team was very excited about the standard course they continue to use as a final stage here. It’s flat, straight, and features relentlessly crappy roads with speed bumps, but that was irrelevant, and we stayed positive and optimist through the morning recon. The goal was to keep Simon relaxed and confident, and it was clear he headed into the stage in great headspace.

I was relieved that I didn’t have anything to protect or lose and could simply get around on the TT bike with little training these past few months of Covid craziness.

When Simon was out on course, we gathered at the back of the bus to scream at the TV. Everyone was on the edge of their seats as G. Thomas stormed the final five kilometers and looked to be a threat. 

With all eyes on Simon in blue, we kept calculating the math second by second and began to relax with each meter as he powered down and finished with time to spare.

It was a welcome sight to see that Trident Trophy ride back on the bus with us. Our Italian staff was incredibly excited to finally get the overall victory here after being so close on numerous occasions.  

From here, it’s back to Girona for some much-needed recovery before final prep leading into the Giro. It’s been such a strange year. The start of the Giro in October is bizarre; I think it’s the perfect race block to build momentum looking to our Italian return in a few weeks.

Images: Getty Images