Giro d'Italia (2013) Photos; Stage 16: Valloire → Ivrea, 238 km

First, the Maglia Rosa, now, a stage win. “Above all, I came to the Giro with the goal of raising my hands at the end of a stage. The Maglia Rosa was very important for the team, although losing it during the time trial at Saltara left a strange taste in my mouth. Today I got my stage win.”

The final descent: “I accelerated where the road surface was good, to close the gap. On some corners, there were rivulets of water, and I didn’t like the conditions, so I didn’t take any risks. At one point, Scarponi missed a curve, so I rode quite carefully and just kept a watchful eye to make sure nothing happened.”

On Kangert’s performance: “2km from the finish, I told him to attack, to win the stage and neutralize the time bonuses. The team wants a stage win. He’s in good shape, and we’ll see whether he has a free role in the mountain time trial. He’s having a good race, and he’s always been beside me in the mountains.”

Scarponi on the attack: “Scarponi is a few minutes back [Ed’s Note: 3m53s], so he has to look for opportunities in every stage to try to win back time. Cadel is much closer, and he will certainly try something in the mountains. But I want a stage win. The most important stages are Mori-Polsa, Val Martello, and Tre Cime, although I know it’s going to be very difficult.”

Giro d'Italia (2013) Photos; Stage 16: Valloire → Ivrea, 238 km