Team Jumbo-Visma leader Steven Kruijswijk rode a solid time trial. The Dutchman had to give in eight seconds and finished 21st.

Roglic can live with his second place. “Of course I am disappointed with those three tenths. You always want to win, but with Tratnik as the winner I’m not too disappointed. He’s a good friend of mine. I have just returned from an altitude camp, so you always have to see and find out how things will be going. My shape and the prospects, however, are good”, the Slovenian said.

Sports director Jan Boven concurred with the Slovenian. “Three tenth of a second is a very small difference. Sometimes you win races with a small difference and sometimes you lose with a small difference. That is all part of the sport. Primoz rode an excellent time trial, technically he rode it very well. With regards to the Giro he has had a good altitude camp and with the second place he confirms that his preparation is going very well. He just lacks some race rhythm. This race is perfect to work on this. It was a good day for us.”