Today at the start of the sixth stage of the Giro d'Italia, Afonso Eulálio, the Portuguese rider from Bahrain Victorious, was leading in the pink jersey. A dream he will try to make last as long as possible, even though tomorrow, with the finish at Blockhaus, the general classification contenders will attack to create the first significant gaps in the overall standings. This Giro also features Damiano Caruso and between the Sicilian and Afonso Eulálio, there is a bet born from a game that represents an important relationship between the two riders, where friendship, trust and respect come first.

«The Pink Jersey means so much. It was a beautiful day for everyone: for the team and also for my sporting directors, who today were able to travel in the first car of the caravan. I saw everyone very happy and, fortunately, everything went perfectly – Afonso Eulálio said at the press conference - We'll see day by day where I can get to, but the important thing will be to get through tomorrow's test well. It's a very tough stage, but I think I'm ready, I'm in good condition and I hope to keep the pink jersey at least until tomorrow. Normally stages like the Blockhaus one, with so many climbs, suit me. I really don't know what to expect but I'll try to resist as long as possible and stay with the best riders».

Tomorrow the Blockhaus could deliver the first important verdict. The seventh stage with its 244 kilometers will be the longest of the edition and will conclude at the top of the legendary Blockhaus. After over 130 relatively calm kilometers, the race will progressively enter the heart of the Apennine Mountains in Abruzzo. The climbs towards Rionero Sannitico, Roccaraso and Passo Forchetta will prepare the ground for the final ascent: 13.6 kilometers at 8.4%, with the last 10 kilometers at 9.4%. There's also the bet with Damiano Caruso and the desire to continue racing together.

«We have a bet with Damiano Caruso, but I haven't managed to make him change his mind yet: he'll only renew when I win two stages. The pink jersey, in our bet, doesn't count. So I need to win two stages to make him stay for another year. I hope to keep the jersey for as long as possible also because I feel really good wearing this jersey. I see the affection of the people and it's an incredible feeling: everyone shouts your name, while maybe until yesterday nobody knew me».