After the second rest day of the Giro d’Italia, the individual time trial with the finish in Massa proved to be one of the most technically demanding tests of the entire race. Forty-two kilometers to be tackled at the highest speed, in a race where legs alone were not enough: clarity of mind, effort management, and the ability to stay focused from the first to the last kilometer were essential.

In his performance, Giulio Pellizzari sent encouraging signals. The young rider from the Marche region completed the time trial confirming significant progress, especially from the perspective of physical condition, after the difficulties he experienced in the stage finishing at Corno alle Scale.

Pellizzari, in fact, reported feeling decidedly better compared to Sunday, when the long climb to the finish line had taken its toll both physically and mentally. The Massa time trial, although extremely demanding, gave him positive sensations and greater confidence heading into the upcoming stages.

«I knew what I had to do, I think I performed at about 25 watts below my usual pace, but overall I'm satisfied. I want to say that I think I was quite fast and now we just need to recover and think about the next few days», Pellizzari explained at the end of his performance where he finished in eighteenth place.

The Italian rider then elaborated on the comparison with the sensations experienced in the Corno alle Scale stage: «Yes, I'm feeling better compared to last Sunday. I can say that Sunday was truly a tough day both mentally and physically. Now I've recovered, so I'm happy with how I arrived at the Massa time trial».

The data that emerged from the race against the clock are encouraging from the general classification perspective as well. Pellizzari now occupies ninth place, with a gap of 3’36” from leader Eulalio, while his teammate Jai Hindley is sixth at 3’06”.

With the major mountains still to come, the Giro is now entering its decisive phase and Pellizzari, after overcoming a difficult moment, appears to have regained his brilliance at precisely the most important moment of the race.