From helper to triumphant: Hart enjoys the Giro sensation

Hart came with the reference of a 20th place at the Vuelta and leaves as one of the outstanding winners of the Corona year 2020. The 25-year-old Brit crowned his excellent tour in the final time trial in Milan on Sunday and distanced his Australian rival Jai Hindley by 39 seconds. For Ineos professional Hart, a final 15,7th place over the 13 kilometers was enough for his first Giro victory.

Tao Geoghegan Hart received a warm welcome from his Hannah. © APA/afp / JENNIFER LORENZINI

“Not even in my dreams did I think this could happen. “In my career I always dreamed of a top 5 or top 10 finish in races like this,” said the London-born professional, who actually comes from track cycling. After crossing the finish line, the shooting star slumped over his bike in exhaustion for a moment - a few seconds later he caught himself again and was jumping happily through Milan's pedestrian zone. Hart called the moments on this special Sunday “extraordinary.” Team boss Dave Brailsford praised Eurosport : “He grew into this role brilliantly.” From helper to triumphant Hart was only planned to be a helper at the top racing team Ineos-Grenadiers and was supposed to accompany the former Tour winner Geraint Thomas in the mountains. But when Thomas retired early after a crash, the way was clear for Hart. “It also makes you proud when a two-time world champion drives for you,” said Hart about his teammate Rohan Dennis, who instead paved the way for him to this title in the mountains.

On the difficult mountain stages in the final week, which led, among other things, to the snow-covered Stelvio at 2757 meters, Hart had to take on the Sunweb duo Hindley and Wilco Kelderman (Netherlands). The Briton didn't lose any time on any part and took a brilliant starting position in the final battle against the clock. “It will take a long time for it to get to me,” said Hart after the triumph. An Australian first win for Hindley would have been an absolute sensation. Corona caused turbulence After the Tour de France went largely smoothly, the Giro was temporarily mired in Corona chaos. Co-favorites Simon Yates and Steven Kruijswijk were taken out of the race after positive tests, and their racing teams Mitchelton-Scott and Jumbo-Visma withdrew. For a short time, an early termination of the Giro was also discussed.

Instead of the expected favorites Thomas, Yates and Kruijswijk, three outsiders masked due to corona stood on the decorative podium in downtown Milan.

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From helper to triumphant: Hart enjoys the Giro sensation

In the heart of Milan, sensational winner Tao Geoghegan Hart posed for the first celebratory photos and kissed his loved one. The picture-perfect shots in front of the magnificent Duomo in the fashion city will forever remind the winner of the 103rd Giro d'Italia of his huge coup.

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