With the Giro over for another year, and another one in the bag for Paolo Savoldelli, Discovery Channel team manager Johan Bruyneel says Savoldelli won't be following the same approach as he prepares his shortlisted team for the Tour de France.
"France is another thing," Bruyneel said in a team statement.
"It definitely won't be the same approach for him as it was preparing for the Giro. First, I need him to recover and set his mind. I'll leave him alone for a week and let him really taste this victory. Then, we'll set his mind on July.
"I don't want him to be obsessive about it. If he's in good shape, he will do his job. He can ride without stress and if he doesn't let his fitness come down too much, by the time the race reaches the mountains, he will be able to do what we need him to do."
Speaking about the previous day's stage that saw the race blow apart on the Colle delle Finestre, Bruyneel admitted: "It was a very, very stressful day."
"Of course we knew Simoni would attack and that probably Paolo wouldn't be able to follow. I think he rode very smart when he didn't react first to Rujano and then to Simoni. He had seen the [Finestre] climb in training and did it on his own pace.
"When you aren't a climbing specialist, it's always best to go at your own pace. Unfortunately, it was very steep and he had lost his lead to Simoni at the top. On the other hand, when you are off the front, you eventually pay for the effort you've done."
"Also we knew after the downhill Paolo would pick up some guys who were dropped so he wouldn't be alone and fortunately, he received some help from the other guys as they were also fighting for their overall positions."
Bruyneel also maintained Discovery Channel's objective with Savoldelli was always a podium finish, but also bearing in mind a win was possible.
"We brought on Paolo for that purpose," Bruyneel said. "He won the race three years ago and followed it with two years of bad luck. We always thought it was possible to win. I've always maintained a podium finish was the goal, but if it goes well for you, there can be a chance to win."
