Just the time to file away the failed attempt by British rider Charlie Tanfield, who stopped at 53.964, far from Filippo Ganna's record, and here comes a true champion hinting that his hour will come one day. On the track, he doesn't have extensive experience, but there are no doubts about his time trial skills: he is currently the best, backed by his last two world championships and Olympic gold in the discipline.

For now, as Ciro Scognamiglio writes this morning in La Gazzetta, it's the hour of wishes. Looking ahead, the Belgian might even rely on the knowledge and experience of engineer Bigham, who raced and worked for Ineos, Ganna's team, and was the record holder before Filippo surpassed him. Now, however, he is part of the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe staff, the team that will welcome Remco Evenepoel next year, leaving Soudal-Quick Step. And what does the main interested party think? "I don't think it's an impossible record. Sooner or later I'll try," were his words collected by l'Equipe.