South African Ryan Gibbons has had a successful start to his grand tour debut and currently lies eighth on the general classification after the opening stages of the Giro d’Italia.
After placing eighth, seventh and 14th in the first three stages of the centenary event, Gibbons said it was incredible to be a part of the tour.
“I’m really excited to be at the Giro, it’s quite surreal being here.
“A month ago this wasn’t even on the cards for me and it all happened quite suddenly,” he said.
South African Ryan Gibbons lies eighth on the general classification at Giro d’Italia after three stages. Photo: Scott Mitchell
The 22-year-old said he was happy to have had such a strong start.
“To be in the top 10 GC in my debut grand tour and also in my first year as a professional is a dream come true.
“I don’t have the words to explain how I am feeling right now,” said Gibbons, who added it had never been his ambition to finish in the top 10.
The fourth stage of the 21-day event covers 181km over a number of tough climbs and Gibbons feels he may have seen the last of his top ten finishes.
“I’m just really looking forward to the next few flat stages and hopefully I can be competitive there.
“My personal goal would be to get a top five – I know I’m capable of it and we’re just really looking forward to getting that chance.”
Douglas Ryder, principal of the team, said they hoped to continue the momentum that started in the first three days of the tour.
“We don’t have any riders that can race in the high mountains so we are going to take our opportunities if and when we can during the next two weeks of racing and then just survive the last week until Milan,” he said.
“It’s a huge privilege for the team to be here, to be a part of the centenary Giro d’Italia was something we wanted to bring a well-balanced and strong team to.”
In addition to top results from Gibbons, Daniel Teklehaimanot was awarded the Maglia Azzurra jersey as King of the Mountains.
