Bax Finishes 4th in Giro d’Italia Time Trial!
Sjoerd Bax of Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team delivered a strong performance on the time trial, just shy of the podium.
Stage 10 of the Giro d’Italia featured an individual time trial, 42 scenic kilometres from Viareggio to Massa. It was a test of rider versus the clock along an almost entirely straight coastal road.
Sjoerd Bax was the first of the Pinarello Q36.5 riders to throw himself into the saddle and tackle the fast and demanding course. The Dutch rider completed the 42 km in 47 minutes and 56 seconds, securing him the hot seat and holding it until Italian favourite Filippo Ganna smashed his time by over two minutes to take the stage win. Bax’ performance earned him an impressive 4th place on the stage, beating some of the best time trial specialists.
"I was very focused on today’s time trial after a few tough days in the gruppetto on the mountain finishes. Because it’s my first Grand Tour, I didn’t know what to expect, so I didn’t have a pacing plan for today and just wanted to listen to my body. Normally, when I listen to my body, I get into a rhythm and flow of the course. Today, one stretch was more than 10 km long, and you still need to focus, especially on staying in the aero position which is sometimes even more important than pushing lots of power. I think I kept a good rhythm and stayed in a good position. I’m very satisfied with my performance today. It’s Giro d’Italia, a Grand Tour. I’m only a bit disappointed that I missed out on top three."
Sjoerd Bax
Sjoerd Bax had extra motivation for performing well on the time trial, as his parents joined him in the team car behind him:
"My parents were in the car behind me, also on the radio. For them it’s a bit emotional because they’ve always supported me and brought me to all my races since I was young. To be in a Grand Tour and have a good result with them here is really special."
Sjoerd BaxThe team’s GC riders, David De La Cruz and Chris Harper, finished 12th and 24th, respectively. This leaves De La Cruz 15th in the overall GC and Harper 17th.
