The winner of the first-ever Giro d’Italia Criterium, Peter Sagan, said: “This was a very special race, it is incredible to be here and have the opportunity to ride the Giro d’Italia Criterium at Expo 2020 Dubai. I am very happy I could take the win in this unique place. I want to thank my teammates that kept the race under control. In the first part of the Criterium, I tried to be in the front and contest the sprints to win the Points Classification but I soon realised Elia Viviani was faster than me today. I decided to change my tactic. I tried to recover for 10-15 laps, it was a very fast race. Then in the last few laps Bernal, Hirschi and Bouchard attacked and I decided to follow them – it was the right move. After Bernal attacked again, I managed to stay with him and beat him on the line. I am very happy with this success!”
Elia Viviani: “I have great memories of Dubai – having won the Dubai Tour in 2018 – and of the Giro d’Italia, especially from 2018 when I won the Maglia Ciclamino in the Points Classification. Being an Italian rider I am proud of having taken part in the first Giro d’Italia Criterium at Expo 2020 Dubai and of having been awarded the Points Classification on the stage in front of Italy Pavilion”.
Filippo Ganna: “I knew I could not win in a bunch sprint against Sagan and Viviani, so I tried to go on the attack and anticipate the sprint. The peloton behind did a great job and closed the gap, but at least I manage to record the fastest lap of the race”.
Attila Valter: “As the race started I decided I wanted to race aggressively and I went on the attack with the other two riders. At some point, I thought we could have made it to the finish, but the peloton bridged the gap, and caught us. I am very happy to receive the award as ‘Most Aggressive Rider’ because it reflects the style of riding I like. Now I hope I can spend some time in Dubai to visit the Expo 2020 Dubai and the city”.
