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A Giro rest day update with Svein Tuft

As the race heads for the mountains, the Canadian is riding in support of a promising young general classification contender

May 16, 2016
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Svein Tuft is riding his ninth grand tour. Canadian Cycling Magazine caught up with Tuft on the Giro’s second rest day after the Stage 9 time trial. Tuft, one of the elder-statesmen of the pro-peloton wore the pink jersey for a stage in 2014 and in 2016 is riding in support of two young and exciting riders on his Orica-GreenEdge team.

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“This year’s Giro has been an interesting one for me,” said Tuft. “Our team is transitioning into more of a general classification team with Esteban Chaves.”

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In past years, Orica wouldn’t arrive at grand tours with a true general classification contender, instead hunting for stage wins over the course of the three-week races on the calendar. In 2016, Orica arrived at the Giro with general classification ambitions in the form of the 26-year-old Colombian Chaves who has arguably one of the best smiles in the peloton. Tuft’s role in the team thus has slightly altered from past years.

“There is plenty of work to do each day,” explained Tuft. “It’s a pleasure though because there couldn’t be a nicer guy to ride for.” Chaves confirmed his stage racing potential with a fifth-place overall at the Vuelta a España in 2015 along with two stage victories and time in the leaders jersey at the Spanish grand tour.

“We also have Caleb Ewan going for the sprints so all of our guys are on double duty. At this stage of my career it gives me a lot of satisfaction to be a part of the growth of these future superstars.”

As the race heads for the Dolomites, Tuft reflected on the team and the race so far. “As we head into the tougher mountain stages, everyone is healthy and happy. The Giro is providing its usual drama as I felt pretty sorry for the GC contenders who had to take big risks yesterday in the rainy time trial.” The wet Stage 9 TT proved treacherous as riders hit the deck on the slippery roads of Italy’s Chianti region.

Chaves fell from sixth overall to 13th after the TT but despite the drop, Tuft and his teammates will continue to be relied on as the race heads for the terrain the Colombian excels in. Sitting 2:31 off the race lead there is still ground to make up time. “We are sitting in a decent spot with Esteban, who I think will surprise a few people in the days to come.”

There is no doubt the Colombia excels in the mountains and the coming stages will provide plenty of opportunity to take back lost time.

After beginning the Giro under the weather, Tuft has been feeling a little better every day. An upwards trend is also the direction the roads will be turning, terrain that will prove challenging and decisive for the general classification.