Tao Geoghegan Hart returns to Andorra as the winner of the 2023 Tour of the Alps, satisfied with his overall victory, his form, and the dominance of his Ineos Grenadiers teammates, morale is high as the countdown to the Giro d'Italia continues.

Two weeks later, the Adriatic coast will host the Grande Partenza, a 19.6-km seaside time trial and three weeks of intense racing.

He will start the Giro with team leader Geraint Thomas, but just as in 2020, when Thomas crashed early and Geoghegan Hart took the Maglia Rosa in the Milan time trial from Jai Hindley in the final mountain stage, chances We know that there is a possibility.

Older and wiser, Geoghegan Hart has overcome two years of illness and injury by working with his new coach, Dajo Sanders. He cut back on his training, worked on his recovery, and built more consistency and self-belief.

"It is very satisfying to win a race like the Tour of the Alps in a controlled way, without any particular difficulties, stress or problems.

"To be able to race in good spirits and good health is a great joy. It was good to win without going too deep. After five tough days, my one concern was how difficult it would be to recover, but if everything goes well in 72 hours, I feel great."

While teammate Geraint Thomas still has work to do and weight to lose, and Remco Evenpole and other competitors are competing in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour de Romandie, Geoghegan Hart is resting up, watching La Doyenne from his couch and prepare both mentally and physically for the Giro.

His contract with Ineos Grenadiers ends this year, and the Giro will undoubtedly shape the next phase of his career. Geoghegan Hart feels the importance of this moment, but whatever the outcome in Italy, he will not change as a person. His ambition remains the same, but he remains as modest as ever.

"I don't believe in proving scores to people. Those who know me know that I believe that things come back around. That's how I personally live this sport," he explained.

"In cycling, you savor the moment and never look back. [The Giro is a very different race, with a big first nine days and three stages with over 5,000 meters of climbing in the final week. I think it's important to come into the race fresh."

"Tomorrow we will look at the next race and the rest of the season. On Saturday I will go home and recover. I will listen to my body, do some training sessions and stay fit. I'm happy with my week, but I'll take it one step at a time."

Geoghegan Hart admits that Evenpoel and Roglic are strong contenders for the Giro d'Italia, but Ineos Grenadiers starts the three-week race with confidence.

"Ineos Grenadiers is in the race to win.

"We will take the good from this race and start another story and the next goal. The Giro is a completely different goal. We are taking it in stride and looking forward to the road ahead."