“It was nice to wake up on the day of rest with the pink jersey. I don’t feel any pressure and I am very happy. That way I can enjoy this day a bit,” says the 22-year-old Portuguese.
“I think I can hold on to the pink until the 15th stage, to Piancavallo. Then we’ll see if I have the legs. Win the Giro? No, I don’t believe in that. I’ve never raced for so long and there are so many guys with a lot of experience here. One bad day and everything is gone. “
“Riders like Fuglsang, Kelderman or Nibali make a very strong impression. There are many boys who are still eligible. I am now happy with this pink jersey and I will see what the next weeks will bring.”
Sports director Klaas Lodewyck also keeps his feet on the ground. “It would be foolish to say that we are going for the overall victory. We will see what is to come and we will make the best of it. We certainly will not put pressure on João. Everyone is sober enough for that,” he said.
“Every day in pink is a nice bonus and we will defend that jersey as long as it is possible. The whole team is doing an excellent job here. For so many days in pink, that is a great achievement. How long it can take is difficult to be estimated in a 22-year-old boy. “
“Those young guys continue to amaze. He is already doing something that nobody in the team expected. That is very nice to see. Hopefully he does not have a bad day, although that can always happen. João is a special guy. Winning the Giro. ? That would surprise me, but of course it is allowed, “laughs Lodewyck.
