'It's not possible to finish' – Ewan blunt on controversial 'get out' Giro strategy

Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal) has confirmed that he will quit the Giro d’Italia early to focus on the Tour de France, a strategy he has received criticism for in the past.

Ewan has been honest and upfront about his decision to save himself for the Tour by not completing the Giro, which he does not believe is possible for a sprinter in his position.

But the Australian has previously been slammed for adopting this strategy for the famous Italian race and his approach to not completing a Grand Tour after taking to the start line.

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“It is not possible to finish the Giro all the way if you also want to be in top form at the start of the Tour de France at the beginning of July,” Ewan told reporters, as quoted by Wielerflits. “When do I leave Italy? I didn’t put an exact date on it, but anyway, before the start of the tough last week.

“Otherwise, you have to dig too deep into your reserves. As soon as I feel that I am getting less, I get out.”

Only last year, Eddy Merckx criticised Ewan for a “lack of professionalism and lack of respect” after he withdrew from the Giro midway through Stage 8.

Cycling legend Merckx, who won both the Giro and the Tour de France five times, criticised the move by Ewan and said he should be punished.

‘If he hadn’t won, we would say that was stupid’ – Lloyd on Ewan win

“What Caleb Ewan did bothers me a lot,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.

I think his abandonment is a total lack of professionalism and a lack of respect for the Giro and cycling.

“He deserves a sanction, such as withdrawing all his bonuses.

“The former boss of the Tour de France, Felix Levitan, would have told him not to come next year after doing that.”

Merckx’s son, Axel, who works as a team manager for Hagens Berman Axeon, also said he believed Ewan was wrong to leave the race when he did.

“The simple fact of giving up without providing real evidence of knee pain is a complete lack of respect for the organisation,” he said.

‘I’ll have a go and see what happens’ – Ewan on sprint chances at Giro

McEwen defends Ewan

Speaking on Eurosport’s coverage, which you can watch on discovery+, former sprinter Robbie McEwen said Ewan’s strategy was totally justified, as he had used it himself on previous occasions.

McEwen won 12 stages at the Giro in his career, and 12 stages at the Tour de France as well.

“I completely agree,” said McEwan when Dan Lloyd said it “made no sense” for Ewan to try and get himself over the final mountains with the Tour de France on the horizon.

“Because I used to do exactly the same thing. I used to go to the Giro with no intention of ever finishing it.

“Just because the race is 21 stages doesn’t mean you have to ride them all or attempt to ride yourself into the ground to get through it, especially with something like the Tour de France on the horizon, which is extremely important to the team and the rider.

“And let’s face it, as big as any other race is, the Tour de France is the big one.”

Stage 1 of this year’s edition of the Giro is a gentle ride from Budapest to Visegrad before an enticing uphill finale.

The legendary race does not touch down in Italy until Tuesday, with Hungary handed the Grande Partenza honour in 2022.

– – –

Stream the Giro d’Italia live and on-demand on discovery+. You can also watch all the action live on eurosport.co.uk

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'It's not possible to finish' – Ewan blunt on controversial 'get out' Giro strategy

Caleb Ewan (Lotto-Soudal) has confirmed that he will quit the Giro d’Italia early to focus on the Tour de France, a strategy he has received criticism for in the past.

Ewan has been honest and upfront about his decision to save himself for the Tour by not completing the Giro, which he does not believe is possible for a sprinter in his position.

But the Australian has previously been slammed for adopting this strategy for the famous Italian race and his approach to not completing a Grand Tour after taking to the start line.

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“It is not possible to finish the Giro all the way if you also want to be in top form at the start of the Tour de France at the beginning of July,” Ewan told reporters, as quoted by Wielerflits. “When do I leave Italy? I didn’t put an exact date on it, but anyway, before the start of the tough last week.

“Otherwise, you have to dig too deep into your reserves. As soon as I feel that I am getting less, I get out.”

Only last year, Eddy Merckx criticised Ewan for a “lack of professionalism and lack of respect” after he withdrew from the Giro midway through Stage 8.

Cycling legend Merckx, who won both the Giro and the Tour de France five times, criticised the move by Ewan and said he should be punished.

‘If he hadn’t won, we would say that was stupid’ – Lloyd on Ewan win

“What Caleb Ewan did bothers me a lot,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.

I think his abandonment is a total lack of professionalism and a lack of respect for the Giro and cycling.

“He deserves a sanction, such as withdrawing all his bonuses.

“The former boss of the Tour de France, Felix Levitan, would have told him not to come next year after doing that.”

Merckx’s son, Axel, who works as a team manager for Hagens Berman Axeon, also said he believed Ewan was wrong to leave the race when he did.

“The simple fact of giving up without providing real evidence of knee pain is a complete lack of respect for the organisation,” he said.

‘I’ll have a go and see what happens’ – Ewan on sprint chances at Giro

McEwen defends Ewan

Speaking on Eurosport’s coverage, which you can watch on discovery+, former sprinter Robbie McEwen said Ewan’s strategy was totally justified, as he had used it himself on previous occasions.

McEwen won 12 stages at the Giro in his career, and 12 stages at the Tour de France as well.

“I completely agree,” said McEwan when Dan Lloyd said it “made no sense” for Ewan to try and get himself over the final mountains with the Tour de France on the horizon.

“Because I used to do exactly the same thing. I used to go to the Giro with no intention of ever finishing it.

“Just because the race is 21 stages doesn’t mean you have to ride them all or attempt to ride yourself into the ground to get through it, especially with something like the Tour de France on the horizon, which is extremely important to the team and the rider.

“And let’s face it, as big as any other race is, the Tour de France is the big one.”

Stage 1 of this year’s edition of the Giro is a gentle ride from Budapest to Visegrad before an enticing uphill finale.

The legendary race does not touch down in Italy until Tuesday, with Hungary handed the Grande Partenza honour in 2022.

– – –

Stream the Giro d’Italia live and on-demand on discovery+. You can also watch all the action live on eurosport.co.uk

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‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

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“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

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‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

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“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

‘Mentality Monsters’ Klopp hails Liverpool side after 3-2 win over Villarreal

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‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

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“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

‘Mentality Monsters’ Klopp hails Liverpool side after 3-2 win over Villarreal

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‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

Premier League

‘Fake news!’ – Conte slams ‘lies’ linking him with PSG move

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“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

‘Mentality Monsters’ Klopp hails Liverpool side after 3-2 win over Villarreal

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‘A lot of money’ – Conte says spending spree needed to close gap on Liverpool

Antonio Conte says Tottenham will need to invest smartly and heavily in the transfer market if they want to close the gap between themselves and Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and was asked whether his Tottenham team are in a similar position now compared to Liverpool seven years ago.

He said: “I don’t know but if I was sure this type of situation can happen, I sign, you understand?

Premier League

‘Fake news!’ – Conte slams ‘lies’ linking him with PSG move

29/04/2022 AT 14:15

“But also, the time for Liverpool was easier than now because when Liverpool started this work with Jurgen, they were a top team but not in a way they are now – so consolidated with an important manager, always the same team, big investment, big money spent on the transfer market.

“They had also the right space to improve and reach this.

“Now, in my opinion, I am talking about this league, it is more difficult because the space is not so big.

“To reduce this gap, you need to spend a lot of money because you need to buy important players. You have to know this otherwise you cannot reduce this gap and hope always for a miracle.”

Spurs have come close to winning the Premier League and Champions League during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at the club.

The north Londoners were Leicester’s main rivals in their stunning title triumph, before ultimately finishing third. Meanwhile, they finished in second and seven points behind Conte’s Chelsea side in the 2016/17 campaign and reached the 2019 Champions League final, losing to Liverpool.

The Italian believes the Reds are the ideal model to follow in order to ensure long-term success.

“First of all, I think it depends on the desire of the club. I think Liverpool put Jurgen in charge seven years ago, they wanted to build something important and to bring Liverpool again to fight for (the) Champions League, to win titles and to continue the important story of Liverpool,” he added.

“I think maybe he signed a contract for three years and then extended. For sure, if you want to create something important you need time, you need patience – especially if you start to work with a team that start behind the top positions. It is not easy.

“You need time. I think in these seven months, we did a really good job with the club and the opportunity we had also in January to sign two good players for us, to help us, to improve the quality of the team.

“I think we did a good job but, for sure, you need time. Liverpool is a clear example. I don’t want to tell something wrong but maybe they struggle, no? They struggle at the start of Klopp’s path with Liverpool, also to qualify for the Champions League.

“Maybe they needed four years before they started to win.

“It is not simple because you have a master in front of you, you need time, you need a big investment because you have to spend a lot of money if you want to be competitive and try to reduce this gap, otherwise you have to accept to stay in the middle and finish.”

‘Mentality Monsters’ Klopp hails Liverpool side after 3-2 win over Villarreal

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'What a sight!' – Wild moment riders with swords on horses steal attention at Giro

Cycling fans have grown accustomed to seeing memorable sights on the side of the roads at Grand Tours – and Stage 1 of the Giro d’Italia did not disappoint.

It is not unusual to say fans sprinting alongside the riders for hopelessly fleeting moments, or indeed to see amateurs attempting to keep pace with the peloton for as long as possible (not very long) from a side path.

But Friday at the Giro brought a very unique sight at a Grand Tour: five horses, with the riders sporting full battle attire, complete with swords, charged in an entertaining bid to keep up with the peloton.

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It made for an amusing start to the iconic race as Budapest hosts the Grande Partenza with 160km still remaining in the stage and a long stretch of nondescript road ahead.

As the charging riders on their horses attempted to keep pace with the peloton before gradually drifting out of sight, the amusing spectacle was picked up by fans – and, indeed, the commentators.

“Oh, here we go!” exclaimed Rob Hatch, on commentary for Eurosport at the famous event.

“Charge! Oh, that will make them go quicker with that thing [sword]! Don’t point that thing!

“Deary me, we may need a photo finish here! A bunch gallop, we think, on day three… not quite yet!

“A couple have been dropped at the back. What a sight! Hungary, hosting the Giro d’Italia.”

‘More pressure on the sprinters’ – Preview to Cavendish v Ewan at Giro

Stage 1 of this year’s edition of the Giro is a gentle ride from Budapest to Visegrad before an enticing uphill finale.

The legendary race does not touch down in Italy until Tuesday, with Hungary handed the Grande Partenza honour in 2022.

‘An incredible feeling’ – Bradley Wiggins on winning first stage of Giro d’Italia

– – –

Stream the Giro d’Italia live and on-demand on discovery+. You can also watch all the action live on eurosport.co.uk

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'What a sight!' – Wild moment riders with swords on horses steal attention at Giro

Cycling fans have grown accustomed to seeing memorable sights on the side of the roads at Grand Tours – and Stage 1 of the Giro d’Italia did not disappoint.

It is not unusual to say fans sprinting alongside the riders for hopelessly fleeting moments, or indeed to see amateurs attempting to keep pace with the peloton for as long as possible (not very long) from a side path.

But Friday at the Giro brought a very unique sight at a Grand Tour: five horses, with the riders sporting full battle attire, complete with swords, charged in an entertaining bid to keep up with the peloton.

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It made for an amusing start to the iconic race as Budapest hosts the Grande Partenza with 160km still remaining in the stage and a long stretch of nondescript road ahead.

As the charging riders on their horses attempted to keep pace with the peloton before gradually drifting out of sight, the amusing spectacle was picked up by fans – and, indeed, the commentators.

“Oh, here we go!” exclaimed Rob Hatch, on commentary for Eurosport at the famous event.

“Charge! Oh, that will make them go quicker with that thing [sword]! Don’t point that thing!

“Deary me, we may need a photo finish here! A bunch gallop, we think, on day three… not quite yet!

“A couple have been dropped at the back. What a sight! Hungary, hosting the Giro d’Italia.”

‘More pressure on the sprinters’ – Preview to Cavendish v Ewan at Giro

Stage 1 of this year’s edition of the Giro is a gentle ride from Budapest to Visegrad before an enticing uphill finale.

The legendary race does not touch down in Italy until Tuesday, with Hungary handed the Grande Partenza honour in 2022.

‘An incredible feeling’ – Bradley Wiggins on winning first stage of Giro d’Italia

– – –

Stream the Giro d’Italia live and on-demand on discovery+. You can also watch all the action live on eurosport.co.uk

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'What a sight!' – Wild moment riders with swords on horses steal attention at Giro

Cycling fans have grown accustomed to seeing memorable sights on the side of the roads at Grand Tours – and Stage 1 of the Giro d’Italia did not disappoint.

It is not unusual to say fans sprinting alongside the riders for hopelessly fleeting moments, or indeed to see amateurs attempting to keep pace with the peloton for as long as possible (not very long) from a side path.

But Friday at the Giro brought a very unique sight at a Grand Tour: five horses, with the riders sporting full battle attire, complete with swords, charged in an entertaining bid to keep up with the peloton.

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It made for an amusing start to the iconic race as Budapest hosts the Grande Partenza with 160km still remaining in the stage and a long stretch of nondescript road ahead.

As the charging riders on their horses attempted to keep pace with the peloton before gradually drifting out of sight, the amusing spectacle was picked up by fans – and, indeed, the commentators.

“Oh, here we go!” exclaimed Rob Hatch, on commentary for Eurosport at the famous event.

“Charge! Oh, that will make them go quicker with that thing [sword]! Don’t point that thing!

“Deary me, we may need a photo finish here! A bunch gallop, we think, on day three… not quite yet!

“A couple have been dropped at the back. What a sight! Hungary, hosting the Giro d’Italia.”

‘More pressure on the sprinters’ – Preview to Cavendish v Ewan at Giro

Stage 1 of this year’s edition of the Giro is a gentle ride from Budapest to Visegrad before an enticing uphill finale.

The legendary race does not touch down in Italy until Tuesday, with Hungary handed the Grande Partenza honour in 2022.

‘An incredible feeling’ – Bradley Wiggins on winning first stage of Giro d’Italia

– – –

Stream the Giro d’Italia live and on-demand on discovery+. You can also watch all the action live on eurosport.co.uk

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