Ben Healy (EF Schooling-EasyPost) has been on an upward trajectory of success this spring and brings a prime degree of health, well being and enthusiasm to his first Giro d’Italia, his first Grand Tour. How prepared is the younger Irishman? “100%” was his unhesitant response simply three days earlier than the opening time trial alongside the Abruzzo coast.
Healy received’t be sneaking into the sphere for his first foray right into a three-week endurance occasion. The 22-year-old Irishman has six podiums thus far this yr, shining within the Ardennes with second at De Brabantse Pijl after which second at Amstel Gold Race, driving within the profitable transfer with 80km to go. At Liège-Bastogne-Liège he was within the thick of it once more and completed one spot off the rostrum in fourth.
“Clearly I’m actually pleased with the Ardennes and simply completely satisfied to make my first Grand Tour,” Healy informed journalists at a pre-race staff press convention on Wednesday.
“I wanted a couple of days off after an enormous block within the Ardennes, however I believe that was extra from fatigue moderately than sickness. I’m rested now and haven’t any indicators of sickness so I believe I’m able to carry out.”
The Giro is a check of endurance, even with a powerful EF Schooling-EasyPost staff round him. He’s no stranger to stage races in Italy, having skilled success simply two years in the past with Trinity Racing on the Child Giro, incomes three podiums together with a victory on the tenth and closing stage.
“I’m an opportunistic rider. It is a good race for me. I actually like racing in Italy and it is introduced me success prior to now. So I am trying ahead to the weeks forward,” Healy stated, noting that it was not his situation or well being which was the largest query mark, however the endurance throughout a number of mountain ranges for his longest stage race but.
“I believe that is the query that I would like to seek out out, you recognize. I rested nicely after the Ardennes and simply taking it daily. We all know it will be a tough race and hopefully the legs may also be [solid].
“It’s an unknown for me. It is not one thing I had a possibility to actually even prepare in that a lot, you recognize. This kind of terrain is absolutely one thing that is gonna check me. I am gonna discover out whether or not it is one thing that fits me as nicely, however I believe if the legs are good then there is not any motive why I can’t do nicely on the massive climbs.”
Additionally in search of alternatives for stage wins is Magnus Cort, however when the terrain flattens out. Coming off final week’s Tour of Romandie, Cort had two prime 10s in dash finishes and he plans to search for alternatives all through the three weeks in Italy.
“I believe for the few bunch sprints initially of the Giro, I don’t plan to take part there. I believe I’ll look [at opportunities] as soon as we get slightly bit into the Giro. I cannot say that you’ll by no means see me, so I assume we’ll need to see what occurs,” he stated on the staff press convention.
“I might have preferred to be slightly bit higher in Romandie than I used to be, however it’s no disaster. And I really feel assured that Romandie and these early days will convey the legs to a fair higher place than what they have been in Switzerland. There’s nonetheless three weeks to go so I am fairly assured that I shall be good doing this race.”
The US-based WorldTour staff has a strong squad for particular person successes, including Rigoberto Urán into the combination for climbing alongside Healy and GC chief Hugh Carthy The 36-year-old Urán is probably not a part of the GC image any longer however has good kind to contribute driving to tenth at Catalunya and being within the combine on a few levels at Itzulia.
Healy was wanting to reap the benefits of his alternative on the Giro right away. When requested if he would deal with a stage win, a KOM title and even the GC, he smiled and say, “Every part.”
“I’m right here to check myself and see how far I can go.”
