"This is one of the most special jerseys in cycling, I'm truly happy to wear it, and I wanted it". Jonas Vingegaard is the master of the Giro and tomorrow he will arrive in Milan with the symbol of leadership: he will pass through the final circuit right from Piazzale Loreto, where on May 13, 1909, just before three in the morning, the legend of the Giro began. "It will be beautiful to enter Milan wearing the pink jersey. It's a special city and I want to enjoy this moment".

Jonas, what does it mean to have the pink jersey?

"Oh, for me it's definitely something new. I've always dreamed of having it since I was a young boy. I think many young people, many kids dream of having a pink jersey. So yes, it's truly special for me and for the team. Of the three mountain stages I've won so far, this is definitely the one I'll remember the most".

Can you compare the emotion with the yellow jersey of the Tour?

"Yellow, red, and now pink. You can't make a comparison. Without meaning anything bad about the Giro, the yellow of the Tour is the most important, but for me this one comes right after, it's a special jersey, and I'm proud of it. I feel like it's something I really wanted. So yes, I'm extremely happy and proud".

Your team was also commendable today.

"My teammates did incredible work from the start, it was impressive how they raced, they were truly strong and super motivated. I'm happy to have won for them. The plan was what we decided this morning: set the pace on the first climb and then go faster and faster, and that's what we did".

Your assessment of Davide Piganzoli, who launched you towards victory: he was your last man.

"Uh, he almost created the advantage over all my rivals by himself. According to the plan I should have attacked on the steepest section, but when I saw that Piganzoli had selected the lead group so much I understood it was time to go, but almost... I didn't have to attack anymore, and obviously that's very positive. I'm very happy with how things are going, today Piganzoli was impressive. Just like my teammates, I'm happy to have been able to repay their trust".

You seemed almost relaxed on the climb.

"It was a hard day, the climb was hard, it was very hot, we were all at our limit. I also reached my limit, yes".

Have you already won the Giro?

"No, no, there are still three very difficult mountain stages, it's not over yet, anyone can have a bad day. We must maintain concentration and continue to fight for this beautiful jersey. As I said, it would be a dream for me to wear it all the way to Rome".

You've won on the mountains of the Giro, the Tour and the Vuelta, and today it was very hot.

"Everyone suffered from the heat today, there was a heat wave, but you simply have to accept the weather conditions. Besides, at this time of year there could have been bad weather too. As for the steepness of the climbs, I can say that these on the Giro are extremely difficult, yes, and today there was a lot of climbing to do".