Steven Kruijswijk will start the third and final week of the Giro d’Italia with a 2min 12sec lead at the top of the general classification. The LottoNL Jumbo is in the best position even if he knows that the main contenders for the GC will try their best to get his pink jersey.

"I didn’t expect to be in the leading position at all actually. For me, it’s all new. Of course, I wanted to be as high on general classification at the end as possible. I’m a little bit surprised I’m in the lead now. I feel really strong after this weekend and hopefully I can hold it", he told Cyclingnews.

The Dutch rider explained that last year showed that he can be competitive in three-week races.

"I saw last year that I put more into the Giro than the seventh place I got out of it. I was aiming for top five here because last year I saw I could go with the guys from the podium like Landa, Aru and Contador. I knew it was possible to end up high on the GC, but I wasn’t thinking about the pink jersey in the first place. Coming in to the Giro, I knew my level was good and I’d only get better during the race. I said that if I saw an opportunity to attack, I’d try to take it. On Saturday [on the Passo Valparola – ed.] there was an opportunity and I took it."

He does not want to be riding defensively.

"If I can gain more time, of course I will try to attack. When there’s an opportunity I will take it but I’ll see what the competition will be in the next stages. Chaves is in second position behind me. I think he’s the most dangerous guy for me to watch. He made a great impression on Saturday. He’s still dangerous."