The dream of an entire country runs on the roads of the Giro d'Italia thanks to Guillermo Thomas Silva, the first Uruguayan rider in the history of the pink race and also the first athlete from his country to conquer the pink jersey as leader of the general classification. A historic result that has already secured his name in the annals of international cycling and is moving millions of fans in Uruguay.

After another unforgettable day, Silva presented himself smiling and visibly emotional at the press conference, recounting all the joy for an achievement that until recently seemed impossible. For the XDS Astana rider, this is his second day as leader of the general classification and it will be he who brings this important symbol back to Italy.

«I'm happy and I'm carrying beautiful feelings. Winning a stage and wearing the pink jersey is something I never would have imagined. I'll try to keep it as long as possible, I hope to go forward next week too. For me to return to Italy and wear the pink jersey is truly a matter of pride», declared the Uruguayan rider.

The first stages of the Giro have delivered extraordinary images, especially thanks to the warmth of the Bulgarian public, who accompanied the race with enthusiasm along the entire route. Silva wanted to emphasize how special it was to experience this in such an engaging atmosphere.

«Today was an incredible day, very beautiful and also peaceful, and feeling the support of the Bulgarian public on the roads was very, very nice. Just as it's nice to feel so many compliments arriving from Uruguay. I can say I'm very happy, because we are a small country, but I truly feel so much the warmth of my people».

Simple words that tell the very strong bond between Silva and his country. In Uruguay, indeed, his achievement has been welcomed as a national event: television, radio and social networks are celebrating the rider who for the first time has brought the light blue flag to the top of world cycling.

There is no shortage of family support either, which is fundamental at this historic moment in his career. «My family with my father, my mother and my brother came to Bulgaria but today they weren't at the finish line because they had a flight to Italy, while my wife will arrive directly in Italy tomorrow and then will follow the entire Giro», Silva recounted.

Now the challenge will be to defend that pink jersey which represents not only the lead in the race, but also the symbol of an achievement destined to remain in Uruguayan sport. The Giro has just begun, but a page of history has already been written. By Guillermo Thomas Silva.