Giro d'Italia (2012) Photos; Stage 9: San Giorgio nel Sannio → Frosinone, 166 km

Asked about the crash on the last corner, Ventoso said: “I think the crashed happened for several reasons: some riders don’t study the map, everyone wants to win and then we’re all under pressure to win. In Herning and Horsens I was further back because I didn’t want to risk too much. Unfortunately that’s how the sprints are these days.”

“I don’t think the crashes are caused by young riders taking too many risks. It’s about the ProTour points and there isn’t a team able to line out the peloton. We all take risks. Today I was a little bit lucky and things went my way.”

“It’s impossible to do every sprint on a straight five kilometre road. The corner wasn’t dangerous today. It’s up to us riders to think about what we do and use our heads. I think it was one of the riders who made a mistake.”

Asked if he can go on to win the Giro d’Italia, Hesjedal said: “I’m here to do my best and will do that day by day. We’ll see what happens at the end of the race. It’s a big ask and there are a lot of proven riders here. It’s not something to focus on now. I’m already pleased with what I’ve accomplished. I’ll carry that on and see where I finish in Milan.”

“I’m not concerned about the finish in Assisi (on Tuesday) or for the rest of the stage. The climb up to the finish is not so long. There’s the time bonus and so if Rodriguez wins the stage or gets second, then he can get the lead but we’ll see what happens”.

Giro d'Italia (2012) Photos; Stage 9: San Giorgio nel Sannio → Frosinone, 166 km