Gall explains unique time trial choice: 'I'm more comfortable without the visor'

Many anticipated that Stage 10’s flat, 42km time trial from Viareggio to Massa could be Felix Gall's (Decathlon CMA CGM) kryptonite after his stellar start to the Giro d’Italia.

In the end, the Austrian limited his losses, finishing 33rd on the stage, 4:22 behind Filippo Ganna (Netcompany Ineos), who was in a league of his own. More importantly for Gall, he finished 1:22 behind Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike), who ended in 13th.

Gall was content with the fact that he gave it his 100% across the 42km course, stating, “I did what I could. I have no regrets,” to reporters, including Domestique at the finish.

“I don't know about the gaps, but it was not the most pleasant experience. I mean, it was such a long TT, but I did what I could,” said Gall.

“I think there was not much more I could have done today. It got super long after 30 minutes, but I tried to hold on, and I did my best.”

Gall was asked if he reached the power he had anticipated before he set out on course. 

“I looked at the numbers, and they were exactly what I wanted to do, yes. But I know nothing about the time. I mean, the legs are definitely there,” said Gall. 

Finally, the Austrian was asked about his choice to race without a visor, a unique choice compared to the majority of the field. 

Gall confirmed that it was his own decision to do so, stating, “Yeah, I'm more comfortable without the visor.”

In the aftermath of the stage, Gall slipped one place in the GC to fourth after Thymen Arensman (Netcompany Ineos) stormed to second on the stage behind his teammate Ganna.

The Austrian sits 0:27 off the podium, 1:57 behind Vingegaard, and 2:24 away from Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain-Victorious), who successfully defended his maglia rosa.