Filippo Ganna’s journey is only starting, and the competition with the sport’s titans is set to become even more thrilling.
Filippo Ganna, the powerhouse Italian time-trial specialist, has long been
recognized as one of the brightest stars in the world of cycling. Known for his
raw strength, explosive power, and impeccable technique, Ganna has
dominated the individual time-trial scene for years. But as the sport continues
to evolve, with riders like Tadej Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert,
and Remco Evenepoel stepping up as multi-disciplinary titans, Ganna is not
content to rest on his laurels. He has made it clear that his ambition stretches
beyond just winning time trials—he wants to challenge the very best across all
disciplines and become one of cycling’s true legends.
Acknowledging the Giants.
Ganna is fully aware of the rising competition in the peloton. The names
Pogacar, Van der Poel, Van Aert, and Evenepoel are not just benchmarks for
success but are synonymous with cycling greatness. These riders have proven
their prowess across various race types, from grand tours to one-day classics,
and even the highly specialized fields of the cobbled classics and mountain
stages. They’re the athletes who make headlines year after year, pushing the
sport to new heights with their consistency, versatility, and extraordinary
feats.
In a candid interview, Ganna acknowledged these “titans” of the sport,
admitting that their dominance is both a source of motivation and a challenge.
“Pogacar, Van der Poel, Van Aert, Evenepoel… that’s what they are,” Ganna
said, recognizing their status as the benchmarks for cycling excellence. “That’s
the level I want to reach.”
Focus on Versatility.
Though Ganna’s specialty has always been time trials, his aspirations go
beyond this discipline. He has regularly featured in the road races and stage
races of the WorldTour, and with each year, his ability to challenge in these
formats has improved. His most notable performances include podium
finishes in prestigious one-day races like Milan-San Remo and placing highly
in the overall classifications of Grand Tours. However, he admits that to truly
compete with the likes of Pogacar, Van der Poel, and the rest, his approach to
racing needs to evolve.
Ganna’s focus is not just on refining his time-trial capabilities but also on
improving his road racing and climbing skills. While his explosive power is his
biggest asset, his ambition is to fine-tune the subtleties of his technique and
develop a more balanced skill set. To compete in the multi-faceted world of
modern cycling, he knows he needs to go beyond what is expected of a
traditional time trialist. He is already a formidable force in individual events,
but Ganna’s vision for the future involves competing in stage races, achieving
podium spots in one-day classics, and potentially even challenging for Grand
Tour titles.
Embracing a New Training Philosophy.
To achieve these goals, Ganna has been working relentlessly with his coaches
and performance staff, pushing the boundaries of his training regime. Time
trial specialists like Ganna have typically focused on endurance, high-intensity
intervals, and aerodynamics. However, Ganna is incorporating more climbing-
specific training, increasing his focus on rhythm and endurance over longer
distances, and working on his ability to adapt to different terrains.
The shift in focus is evident in his preparation for the upcoming seasons.
Ganna’s training camps now involve not just hours in the saddle, but specific
adaptations to the demands of grand tours, including uphill sprints, extended
time in the mountains, and managing race tactics over varied terrains. He’s
aware that while his time trial performances are often his strength, his ability
to respond to the dynamic challenges of a stage race or a chaotic one-day race
is just as critical.
Overcoming the ‘Titans’ and Beyond.
One of Ganna’s most notable traits is his self-awareness. While he fully
acknowledges the strength of his competitors, he also possesses a quiet
confidence in his ability to evolve and adapt. “If you want to beat these guys,
you have to be better in every way,” Ganna said, reflecting on his journey. For
him, the road to greatness isn’t just about being the fastest over 40 kilometers;
it’s about developing an all-around skill set that will allow him to match the
explosive talent of riders like Pogacar and van der Poel, who can dominate a
variety of race types.
This mentality of constant improvement is what sets Ganna apart from many
of his peers. He recognizes that in order to take on cycling’s “titans,” he has to
challenge not just his rivals, but his own limits as well. As 2024 approaches, all
eyes will be on Ganna as he looks to cement his place among cycling’s elite. If
his trajectory continues, we may well see him contending for the biggest prizes
the sport has to offer. The journey of Filippo Ganna is just beginning, and the
battle with the titans is about to get even more exciting.
