With four victories already under his belt, Luka Mezgec enjoyed a highly successful spring and aims to continue in the same line at the Giro d’Italia, despite his precedent role as a final cog in an almost infallible Giant-Shimano lead out train.
Mezgec enjoyed a perfect spring with a victory at the Handzame Classic and three stages claimed at the Vuelta a Catalunya, but impressive appearances were followed by below-par performance on the Tour de Romandie parcours last week, on paper perfectly suited to the characteristics of the Slovenian sprinter.
“Obviously, this was a very good start for me. I’m really happy. But above it all, everything goes very well with the team what makes me work perfectly and puts me in an excellent condition. So naturally, the confidence is there.”
However, Mezgec pointed out that he used the Swiss event exclusively as a final build up towards the Giro d’Italia and stage victories at the mountainous event were never his objective.
“I primarily came here [to Romandie] to pick up the racing pace because I haven’t competed since the end of the Catalunya, nearly a month ago. Romandie is a great preparation for the Giro,” Mezgec told Cyclism’Actu.
Now, the 25-year old Slovenian turns his all attention to the Giro d’Italia, his career’s second grand tour appearance, where his main objective will be providing the Giant-Shimano powerhouse Marcel Kittel with a perfect lead out in sprint stages.
Mezgec won’t be left without his own opportunities to shine in the Italian grand tour, however, as the Slovenian is expected to survive on hilly, more demanding stages to contest bunch sprints from a reduced peloton.
“In the Giro, my main goal will be to work for Marcel Kittel. We’re all aware of his incredible power and there will be several opportunities for him to shine,” Mezgec admitted.
“For me, I do not know yet. I hope for a good results on stages with several climbs on the way. I love the Giro, because it is close to my home – Slovenia, and it’s a pretty romantic race.”
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