Ryder Hesjedal was evidently angry and disappointed after his time trial today. He had mechanical issues and had to make a bike change that left him sitting in ninth overall, and due to time gaps he is probably stuck in that position, although if he can make up 46 seconds, seventh would be his, which would make a superb Giro considering he lost more than three minutes in the team time trial.

"I suppose it's not the best course for a big guy like me. Then I had the mechanical and so I had to change bikes," he told Cyclingnews.

"It's hard to go up against the pure climbers but I think I've done well to hold my own against them today and in the Giro."

"It was amazing out there with so many fans along the route and this is a pretty amazing climb and place. I'm happy with my Giro for sure," he said.

As for his GC position, he is optimistic that he can improve on his current position.

"It's another race day, after three hard weeks. You never know, if you're off, it can go really wrong," Hesjedal said, finding some hope and inspiration for the last, decisive mountain stage in this year's Giro d'Italia.

"We'll see, anything can happen. That's been the trend in this Giro and so it's not over by any means."