'I can stay pretty close': Ganna ready for Evenepoel showdown ahead of Worlds time trial

Filippo Ganna (Netcompany-Ineos) believes that the largely flat course in Montréal can give him a genuine opportunity to end Remco Evenepoel’s (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) dominance in the time trial world championships, though the Italian accepted that the Belgian remains the clear favourite. 

Ganna has won four time trials this season, but has had to wait a while since his last victory over Evenepoel, which came at the 2023 Vuelta a España. Since then, the duo have competed in five time trials, with Evenepoel coming out on top in all instances. 

In addition, Evenepoel is chasing his fourth consecutive rainbow jersey in the race against the clock, which gives him, in Ganna's view, the clear favourite status for Sunday's race. 

“Yes, without a doubt,” Ganna told La Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Evenepoel is the favourite for victory in Montréal. “Recent history proves it. The last time I beat him in a time trial was at the 2023 Vuelta. That was three years ago,” he said. 

Despite acknowledging the current track record of Evenepoel in the discipline, Ganna didn’t go as far as suggesting that defeating him is an impossible task. 

He highlighted the nature of the Montréal course, which is predominantly flat, with an uphill rise to the finish, which gives him a better chance to overcome the Belgian compared to a hilly course.

“Well, no. That’s too much. Sure: if he’s at 100%, he’s a really tough nut to crack, especially if there’s a climb on the course," Ganna said.

"The Montreal route, however, is mostly flat, 220 metres of elevation gain over 39km, though the road does tend to rise towards the end.”

“In a scenario like that, I can stay pretty close to him. Then again, if he wins, I’ll congratulate him. If not, it’ll mean I was faster.”

Ganna admitted that he had also been working on his aerodynamic position, and explained how he has had to make tweaks to avoid physical problems.

“I’ve lowered my position on the handlebars while keeping the saddle height the same. This closes the hip angle significantly, but my leg was tending to go numb. I’ve worked a lot with my physio Piero Baffi, to get used to it and become more aerodynamic.” 

Ultimately, the Italian will be hoping that he can produce one of the time trials of his life against a rival whom he holds great respect for. 

"Yes, I think it’s a great rivalry. There’s mutual respect; neither of us envies the other. We’re different athletes with different characteristics. But we’re both fast in time trials."