Fresh off his stage win at Castelraimondo, Luke Plapp is optimistic that his success will galvanize his Jayco AlUla teammates as they approach stage 15 of the Giro d’Italia.The stage to Asiago is anticipated to be a prime opportunity for a breakaway, mirroring the circumstances of Plapp’s recent victory.

Throughout the Giro, Lidl-Trek and UAE Team Emirates-XRG have been the dominant forces, with Mads Pedersen securing four stage wins and Isaac del Toro currently holding the pink jersey.

While these teams have frequently reeled in breakaways, the 219km medium mountain stage from Fiume Veneto to Asiago may present a greater challenge. The route includes climbs up Monte Grappa after 103km and a 16.4km ascent to Enego at a 5.4% gradient.

Jayco AlUla’s Strategy for Stage 15

“we’ve got six other guys in the team who’d also love to win a stage. that’s what we’re focused on.”

According to Luke Plapp, stage 15 to Asiago represents a important opportunity for teams without a general classification (GC) leader or sprinter. “There’s only been one breakaway day in the Giro so far, there are usually a lot more, so I think everyone has their eye on the stage to Aisiago. If you don’t have a GC leader or sprinter, it’s one of the last chances to win a stage,” Plapp stated.

plapp himself might launch a third attack,having previously pushed hard on stage 11. Alternatively, Jayco alula could deploy Filippo Zana, Paul Double, or the young climber Davide del pretto.

Plapp emphasized his desire to share the limelight with his teammates. “we’ve got six other guys in the team who’d also love to win a stage. That’s what we’re focused on. We’ll see what stage 15 brings but we’re looking for opportunities,” he added.

Plapp’s Viewpoint After Stage Win

Reflecting on his recent victory, Plapp shared, “I’m not feeling too bad.It’s a lot easier waking up every morning and racing each day knowing that you’ve already won a stage. My Giro is already a success,the pressure is kind of off my shoulder,so I’m trying to enjoy the whole race. Anything else that comes my way is a kind of bonus.”

This Giro marks Plapp’s third Grand Tour, and he considers it his most prosperous to date. “I’ve deteriorated and struggled in other Grand Tours but so far in this Giro I’m feeling quite strong every day. It’s about doing that for the whole three weeks and coming out of it even stronger,” he explained.

His strategy involves conserving energy where possible.”Getting through every day and not suffering too much is a goal. There are days when I’ve finished well down but that’s after doing my role for the day,perhaps early in the race.”

Future Plans

Plapp will not be participating in the Tour de France. instead, he plans to rest after a demanding first part of the season and then concentrate on specific objectives later in the european summer.

“We haven’t set a whole lot of goals for after the Giro, we want to see how things pan out first,” Plapp noted. “I’ll have a nice break, celebrate the stage win and then work with the team to see what the goals are for the rest of the season. Time trial worlds are always a big goal for me, I like to represent Australia and so will perhaps focus on the time trial in Rwanda.”

At 24, Plapp is in his second season with Jayco AlUla, having previously been with Ineos. Despite a wrist injury that affected his winter training, he has demonstrated his capabilities at the WorldTour level.

“Last week’s Giro stage was my first WorldTour win, so it was super special,” he said.

He also acknowledged his earlier win in Greece, adding, “I won in Greece in the spring, but that was a smaller race. Now to have another Euro win and to have won nationals too, means it’s been a good start to the season, especially the problems of my wrist and having six weeks off.”

Plapp concluded, “I’m super stoked with how the year has gone so far. I worked well with Nico and my coaches outside the team, to have that bond together and work well together for big goals is really special.”