Afonso Eulálio's pink jersey dream continues. And perhaps the most surprising thing is that the first person who didn't expect it was Eulálio himself. On the eve of the 42-kilometer time trial that opened the second week of the Giro d'Italia, the Portuguese rider was convinced that the major general classification contenders would attempt a decisive assault on the overall standings. In particular, Jonas Vingegaard seemed like the ideal candidate to overturn the situation against a rider who, at least on paper, didn't have time trialing as his strongest suit.

But Eulálio held on. With coolness and intelligence and a well-managed performance from start to finish, the race leader managed to defend the symbol of his lead, confirming that this Giro is increasingly taking on the contours of a sporting fairy tale.

The Portuguese rider approached the time trial without obsessing over the absolute result, instead choosing to race with balance, limiting losses in sections more favorable to specialists and making the most of his energy at key moments on the course. A strategy that proved winning and allowed him to maintain command of the general classification even after a day many considered decisive.

At the end of the race, Eulálio appeared at the press conference still relaxed and satisfied with the result achieved: "I didn't expect to keep the pink jersey. In recent days I joked about my girlfriend who was the national time trial champion, but the real strength came from the pink jersey more than from her advice".

The Portuguese rider then recounted the emotions he experienced before the start, admitting he felt new sensations compared to the past.
"Today was strange because it was the first time I was nervous before a cycling race. Of course, this time I had the pressure of the pink jersey and that's why I was a bit nervous, but in the end I have to say it helped me, it gave me more power".

This perfectly explained the atmosphere surrounding him these days. Eulálio is not only the surprise of the Giro, but a rider who seems to be racing driven by the enthusiasm and energy of an unrepeatable moment.

From a technical standpoint as well, the race leader highlighted the great progress he's made against the clock: "In my career I probably haven't done more than 10 kilometers of time trialing, we never worked much on position until last year, only this year did we start and I think the results are showing".

A development that inevitably opens new scenarios for the general classification as well. Eulálio, who initially seemed destined to focus mainly on stage wins, no longer hides his ambition to remain among the best all the way to Rome.

"I've spoken with my sporting directors in recent days, they asked me if I wanted to go for the general classification or the stages and we still need to see. For now I can say that I'm happy and that I'm dreaming with this jersey on, so I'd like to try to do well in the classification too".