Davide Formolo regained a spot in the top ten on the Giro d’Italia general classification on the penultimate stage of his home Grand Tour. His final day time trial was quick enough to keep it. Tenth overall and third in the best young rider classification.

“Finally it’s over,” Formolo said with a laugh when he returned to the team hotel following Sunday’s time trial. “It was the goal to be in the top ten, and in end we got it. It was a long Giro with a very hard last week. We had some fun, some efforts, some pain. It’s all normal. I’m very happy.”

“I know it’s overused, but Davide is the most dedicated and hardworking guy I’ve seen in cycling,” said Slipstream Sports CEO Jonathan Vaughters. “He is an on the bike early and often and lights out at 9pm kind of guy. He wanted this top 10 so bad. So bad. So, I’m very happy he could get it.”

Formolo’s general classification result hinged on his showings on three key climbing stages: Mount Etna (stage four), Blockhaus (stage nine) and Stelvio (stage 16). Beyond those stand-out performances, the 24-year-old showed remarkable consistency throughout the month of May.

“I’m very proud of him,” said head sport director Charly Wegelius, who drove car two during the second half of the Giro d’Italia. “He was tenacious. He was insistent, relentless. I think we only got a glimpse of what he can do. I think he can still do a lot better.”

While Cannondale-Drapac started the Giro d’Italia with the intent to target stage victories, the American-registered squad was prepared to support Formolo’s general classification ambitions should the opportunity arise. Formolo left Sardinia, following stage three, in 31st place. He was up to 13th place following the three Sicilian stages and closed out the first week atop Blockhaus in eighth overall.

“The team was amazing,” said Formolo. “I didn’t expect much support in the race. I knew I could be good, but I still don’t know my limits. I’m getting better every race. The team helped me a lot for the whole race, and I’m really proud to have their support.”

As an Italian, Formolo considers the Giro d’Italia the premiere race on the professional cycling calendar, which added extra allure and a bit of extra pressure to perform. He’s relieved as much as he is happy to arrive in Milan in tenth overall.

“Yesterday was tough,” noted Formolo. “I wasn’t feeling good in the stage. When the guys opened the gas, I was really tired. My job was to survive to the finish line. And that’s it. To survive.

“And I survived, so I’m happy,” he added. “We had the stage victory with Pierre last week and now my top ten. It’s been really good. Now it’s time to celebrate and enjoy it all.”