Only Richie Porte was better than Mikel Landa (Astana) in the Giro del Trentino Melinda. The Basque climber demonstrated his good form in the Italian race by taking second, just a few weeks after his stage win in the Tour of the Basque Country. He now looks forward to the Giro d'Italia, where he will be at the service of his leader Fabio Aru.

Landa has demonstrated his quality in Trentino by taking second in the two summit finishes and second overal. The results are a great confidence boost after a virus delayed his season debut to the Volta a Catalunya.

"I am very satisfied with this performance in an important test because it is close to the Giro which a target for me. Although I was second, I can not be happier, "he told Procycling.net.

"I feel very good and confident, I have been able to show it here, and I will get to the Giro in a good condition. Our leader is definitely Aru. He is strong and has proven that he can be with the best and the rest of the team is there to help.

"One day an opportunity may arise to others and I hope to have mine. I like the stage after the second rest day as it is very hard but it would be special to just win any stage."