Hindley happy to tick off Giro time trial: 'A 40km TT isn't great when I'm 100%'

Jai Hindley (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) expressed relief at completing the only time trial of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, while clarifying that his recent physical struggles differ from teammate Giulio Pellizzari’s (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) stomach illness.

Pellizzari’s stomach issues cost him significant time on stage 9’s summit finish at Corno alle Scale. La Gazzetta dello Sport subsequently reported that Hindley and Gianni Moscon were battling the same virus, casting doubt over their form ahead of the stage 10 time trial.

In the end, Hindley finished 22nd on the stage, 3:30 behind stage winner Filippo Ganna, and 1:31 behind the best-placed GC contender Thymen Arensman (Netcompany-Ineos). The result dropped the Australian from fourth to sixth overall, leaving him 1:09 adrift of Arensman for the final podium spot.

Speaking to reporters, including Domestique, ahead of stage 11, Hindley reflected on one of the longest time trials of his career.

“It was tough; I think it must be one of the longer ones, if not the longest TT I have done in a race,” Hindley said. “I actually did quite a lot of work beforehand with the TT bike to prepare, so I was pretty confident with the work I did before.”

Hindley confirmed that while he struggled through his effort, it was not with the same problem as his Italian teammate. 

“Yeah, unfortunately, I was just a bit crooked, like some days ago, the day before the rest day, so yeah, not 100%, was just suffering basically on this TT,” said Hindley. “No, fortunately, I didn't have this [stomach virus], I have something else.”

A 42km time trial wasn’t the ideal scenario for the ailing Hindley, but the Australian remained relaxed about limiting his losses. 

“For me, a 40km TT isn't great when I'm 100%, so it was a really testing day, and I'm happy to get through it. 
Of course, I would have hoped for a better ride. I think I also could have done a better ride, maybe if I was at 100%,” said Hindley.

Hindley feels he isn’t the only rider in that camp, suggesting that most GC contenders will be glad that the time trial is out of the way.

“I think all the GC guys just wanted to get through that yesterday. I mean, I don’t really think anyone was looking forward to it, to be honest. I speak for myself when I say I’m happy to have ticked that one off and get it out of the way, and not look at the TT bike for the rest of the race.”

When asked if there was a feeling that Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) isn't at 100% after the Dane described his own performance as "terrible," Hindley dismissed any talk of a lack of form required to win.

“I don’t know. He still looks pretty strong to me, so I think he is having a pretty good race. I don’t know if he is in top shape or not, but I think he is in pretty good nick.”