Thibaut Pinot new best climber of the Giro: “It can put a little color in the team”

Thibaut Pinot (Groupama – FDJ, leader of the Giro mountain cl***ification) : “We had a start to the Giro which was not particularly good. If it can put some color back into the team, that’s pretty cool. It’s a small bonus, it’s nice to have this jersey for the first time. […] It allows us to break the negative spiral a little after Rudy’s accident (Rudy Molard had been knocked down, without gravity, by a car on Friday, the hurdy-gurdy at the start of the Giro during training), the time when we hoped a little better and yesterday’s break. […] It all started with a discussion with Rudy (Molard) during the stage. The day was rather long, and then the breakaway was caught. It didn’t cost me any energy, it was a worthwhile effort, let’s say. »

(On shirt defense) “For the moment, it’s not a goal, we would have to start in the breakaway tomorrow and I’m not sure I will have a good exit. But maybe I’ll change my mind in the third week. The feelings are good. »