INEOS Italian coach Cioni assists Tarling in Paris, leaving Ganna without his support

Filippo Ganna has done everything possible in recent weeks and months to be in top form for the important Olympic Games. The Italian from INEOS Grenadiers will compete in the time trial on Saturday and will later also make his appearance on the track, so busy weeks lie ahead.

Ganna will blow out 28 candles on Thursday and knows this is likely his chance for Olympic time trial gold. "We have already scouted the course with Elisa Longo Borghini, Alberto Bettiol, and coach Marco Velo during the official reconnaissance. I feel good and focused for this test. All the work has been done, with many altitude training camps and specific workouts, so I feel ready," the Italian told Tuttobiciweb.

Together with his INEOS teammate Joshua Tarling and Belgian Remco Evenepoel, Ganna is considered one of the top favorites. "I’m going all-in; it’s gold or nothing. I don’t think I’m an immediate favorite, but I want to dream big, give it my all on my Pinarello, and cross the finish line without a sprint. We are here to win, so I am only thinking about the top step of the podium," he said confidently. "If someone else is better and I ride well, then I will still be happy."

Read more below the photo.

Ganna's coach Cioni assists Tarling in Paris

Ganna will have to do without his trusted coach Dario Cioni in Paris, as Cioni has been hired by the British federation to assist Tarling. "Of course, I would have preferred to have Dario by my side, just like at the World Championships or during my world hour record attempt. But I also understand that this is a great opportunity for him, and perhaps our federation can also consider hiring a WorldTour coach in the future, as British Cycling has done."

The Olympic time trial will take place on Saturday starting at 4:30 PM. Three years ago in Japan, Ganna finished fifth, but he did win the team pursuit on the track with his compatriots.

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