Team Sky produced an incredible team time trial performance to move Salvatore Puccio into the lead of the Giro d’Italia.

The team managed the 17.4 km test perfectly, finishing with five riders in a winning time of 22 minutes and five seconds on the island of Ischia.

That was enough to place 23-year-old Puccio into the mythical maglia rosa, a magical moment for the young Italian who was the team’s best-placed finisher on stage one.

The eventual time proved to be nine quicker than anyone else, with Movistar clocking the second fastest time and Astana rounding out the podium, 14 seconds back on Team Sky’s benchmark.

The result placed five Team Sky riders in the top five overall, with Puccio heading Sir Bradley Wiggins, Sergio Henao, Dario Cataldo and Rigoberto Uran – all five riders crossing the line together at the finish to stage two.

The first time on the island in 54 years at the Giro, the stage marked the second time Team Sky have claimed the pink jersey after Wiggins in 2010, and was also the second consecutive team time trial victory for the team after success in April at the Giro del Trentino.

Evidently new maglia rosa holder Puccio was delighted after the stage.

“Today was an incredible result and it is a huge surprise. I could never have thought this morning that I would be pulling on the maglia rosa. It is incredible! Once again the team showed how strong we are. Everyone put in a huge effort and it is very satisfying to be part of a big team result like this.

“For an Italian rider to pull on the maglia rosa is one of the best things that can happen to you.”

“Everyone who ever rides a bike dreams of wearing this jersey. After two years of working hard for the team, today I took a small moment of satisfaction for myself. It’s no secret that the team want the Maglia Rosa later in the race. Of course, I’d like to keep the jersey for many days, but I doubt it will happen.” 

 
“The Giro wasn’t even in my race programme until a month ago, after the Tour of Flanders. My real dream is to win one of the One-Day Monuments: my favourite is the Tour of Flanders.”