John Gadret (AG2R La Mondiale) sits in fourth place overall in the Giro d'Italia and has great chances of reaching Milano in the same spot. Gadret spoke to Velonation about his performance in the Corsa Rosa.
He was quite happy with his showing so far. "I am in fourth place and I would really like to end in that spot on Sunday," he said. "This really has been the best race of my career." Fourth place would be his best result in a Grand Tour, having obtained 13th in last year's Giro. "I hope it will continue like this until Sunday."
Gadret does cyclocross in the winter. "This really has helped here in some sections," he explained. With the Strade Bianche and unpaved parts in the mountains, a cyclocross background can help to avoid crashes. He had more chances to show off his skills in stage 20, which went up the unpaved Colle de Finestre.
There was no hesitation to point out the toughest day in this year's Giro. "It was certainly Sunday [stage 15]. "We were in the saddle for over seven hours. It was atrocious, it was long. For the mind it was really hard," he said. "But at least I finished well."
Gadret is back 2'01 off a podium spot. Too much even before the final mountain stage. "No, I think that would be difficult. We will try, why not. But if I can stay fourth or in the top five, that would already be good."
Even if he has a setback and falls out of the top ten, it wouldn't be the end of the world. On his left arm he spots a tattoo with his mantra. "Defeats in life lead to the biggest victories."