ISN had two major goals for stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia: get Dani Navarro into the breakaway of the day and get everyone else over the finish line within the time limit. We succeeded on both counts.

The Spanish climber found himself in a promising group of escapees. He said, “I was happy to be in the front group with so many strong guys. I thought we would have a chance, but also by having such strong guys around me, I knew it would be difficult to fight for the victory.”

The Andorra-based lightweight got support from super time trialist Rohan Dennis, breakaway specialist Thomas de Gendt and a few other strong riders. However, Team Sunweb controlled the peloton from behind.

The gap never got much bigger than seven minutes, and none of the escapees survived on the last climb. “I do not regret the decision of trying at all. I am happy that I waited until this stage to try to get in the breakaway and I felt quite good today.”

Navarro continued, “I am planning to give it another go in the next few stages. I am happy that I gave it a go today, and I am looking forward to more action.”

No worries for our not-so-climbers: they easily finished today’s stage. They, and Dani, can enjoy a rest day tomorrow.