Giro: It’s surreal what’s happening – Attila Valter

– Have you become aware that suddenly you're one of the most famous Hungarian athletes not only at home but also internationally?
– In the mixed zone of the Giro d'Italia, I had to give a lot of interviews answering almost the same questions. In hindsight, reporters from each country at the competition were curious about the same thing. I got questions from almost every European country and North America, too. Also, Colombia even specifically asked me what I want to say to the supporters there. – Attila Valter, the Hungarian Groupama-FDJ rider who wore the maglia rosa in the general classification for three days, answered at the online press conference organized for Hungarian and international journalists on Tuesday, the Giro d'Italia's first rest day. – It was a surreal feeling that on the other side of the world, in a country where Nairo Quintanas and Egan Bernals are running around – the latter took the pink jersey from me in stage 9 – the fans are following me as well, and I have supporters.

– How is it possible to handle this in a tough three weeks like the Giro?
– It was so unbelievable that I couldn't even comprehend it. Instead, I was just trying to focus on the race. I've experienced one of the difficulties of cycle sport: when you go for a three-week ride – and you even lead the race – it does involve a thousand obligations, and the media can take up to two hours a day at the expense of regeneration. I had to pay attention to that, but these are pleasant problems. In any case, I feel like I've managed to find a good balance between the media, resting, eating, racing, and the people's sudden attention of me.

– How much did you hear that you caused a never-before-seen bicycle fever in Hungary?
– A lot. It wasn't a coincidence when I said that this pink jersey isn't only mine but ours. I've received a vast amount of messages and wishes that even the team told me not to use my phone so often. I told them that that's how I gather strength...! It was indescribable to see how happy people were to see me succeed. It was as if everyone at home had forgotten all their worries and troubles for a few days. Honestly, I didn't think so many people in Hungary would be interested in cycle sport. That's why I'm trying my best to perform similarly well for the next two weeks. If people send me energy from home, they deserve that we finish with good results!

– You said beforehand that the second or third week could be even better for you than the first. The most are yet to come with iconic climbs like Monte Zoncolan...
– I cycled to Dobogókő many times that is almost like Zoncolan! Joking aside, I still feel like we're on the right track, and I can do well in the next ten days as well. Of course, it's always the legs that decide, but now I feel a lot better both mentally and physically than last year. At that time, I had almost a 15-minute gap overall. Even after such a dreamlike week, the second and/or third week could be mine where even nuances like missing a jelly or isotope drink can make a difference.

– Speaking of dreams. Have you ever thought you'd find yourself at the top this fast, almost overnight?
– I've been working since I was a child to make this happen. I believe that it is not possible to get to the top – whether at the Giro, the Olympics, or the World Championships – by targeting a medium level, saying to just get out there and wait for something to happen. I've been training to be the best since I was a little boy, but at the same time, I've never rushed anything. I've always believed in gradualism. I was able to jump a step faster than I had planned, but this success came a little soon, though. It's no secret that I didn't come here to win because I'm not there in my career yet to set myself this a realistic goal. I knew I was in good shape, but even the white jersey seemed like a dream, let alone competing for the general classification... Of course, there are advantages to this: I feel that the team is already very satisfied, that I'm not burdened, and that I'm not putting pressure on myself.

– The newest power ranking came out just on Tuesday, and your name is among the final odds.
– I have strange, mixed feelings about the fact that my name is among the final favorites. On the one hand, it's a little surprising, especially when I look at the results I've had so far in three-week races – the only one I've ever been to. On the other hand, I would've felt sad if I hadn't been mentioned among the bests after wearing the pink jersey for three days and having a 40-second gap only in the overall standings after 10 days. I'm glad they don't write me off and give me a chance – the chance I'm trying to seize with all my might!

– Do you feel that your life has probably changed forever?
– I know everything's going to be completely different from here on out, and I'm trying to accept it. The Puskás Aréna was lit up in pink because of me, pastry shops name cakes after me... These are hard-to-grasp things. Everyone in the competition knows I'm Hungarian and I live in Budapest. It's worth more than anything! People whom I've only seen on TV as stars came to congratulate and encourage me. I still aim high, but I'm pleased I reach my goals fast. Regardless, I'll stay who I was, a simple kid from Csömör. Fame doesn't attract me; I won't start going on the celebrity line. Cycling will be in the focus 100 percent afterward as well. It feels great to have so many people love and support me, but I'd like to use it more to benefit the cycle sport nationally!

Translated by Vanda Orosz

REMINDER

GIRO D'ITALIA
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION AFTER TEN STAGES
1. Egan Bernal (Colombia, Ineos Grenadiers) 38:30:17 hours
2. Remco Evenepoel (Belgium, Deceuninck - Quick-Step) 14-second gap.
3. Aleksandr Vlasov (Russia, Astana-Premier Tech) 22-second gap
...
5. Valter (Groupama-FDJ) 44-second gap.
...
116. Dina (EOLO-Kometa) 1:19:10-hour gap

Complete ranking

YOUTH CLASSIFICATION (UNDER 25)
1. Bernal 35:19:22 hours
2. Evenepoel 14-second gap
3. Vlasov 22-second gap
4. Valter 44-second gap
...
30. Dina 1:19:10-hour gap
Complete ranking