Richard Kalapas and Ineos Grenadiers enjoyed a fast ride to Treviso on stage 18 of the Giro d'Italia, resting up for the decisive mountain stage looming on the northern horizon.

While his biggest rival, Jai Hindley (Bora-Hansgrohe), suffered a puncture in the final stages, but only by three seconds, Kalapas once again had to deal with race leader protocols, including podium duty, interviews, and being last in the anti-doping tests. He had to face up to it.

Ineos Grenadiers tried to minimize the impact of the extra duties on Kalapas' recovery, and he was calm and collected and said little. However, a simple question at the post-race press conference revealed his simple state of mind.

"How confident are you that you will win 100 Giro's? Karapas was asked.

"100%," Kalapas replied with a smile, explaining why. We have three very important days ahead of us and a final time trial. But I think this stage suits us." [Hindley and I have almost the same time, the same level, and Landa can attack at any time. But we are ready for the stage. I am not afraid of what is going to happen."

Leading sportif of Ineos Grenadier, Matteo Tosatto, a native of Treviso, enjoyed a moment with his family after the stage. But his thoughts soon turned to the remaining three days of the Giro d'Italia and the showdown between Hindley and Landa. Although he is only 3 seconds behind Hindley and 1:05 behind Landa, Ineos Grenadiers will have to fight hard for victory.

"I have confidence in my guys," Tosat told Cycling News and the Cycling Podcast.

The last two mountain stages are crucial, including the stage to Castelmonte. Tactics are important, but in the end the legs will decide."

Tosat expects attacks from Bora Hansgrohe and Bahrain Victorious. Both are strong teams supporting Hindley and Landa, and the Spaniards will need to be on the offensive if they are to significantly reduce their times before the final time trial on Sunday.

"The stage to Castelmonte and Saturday's stage to Marmolada are the last two chances for anyone to make time. We will put time on our rivals, but also for Bahrain and especially for Bora. I think Bora will be waiting for two big stages."

"It is important for all three teams to make the stages difficult. The harder the stage is, the more chances you have to shorten your time.

Tosat is carefully studying the final stage.

"Friday's stage goes into Slovenia and ends in Castelmonte. I did a reconnaissance of this stage the week before the Giro started, and it is not an easy stage," he warned.

"The second to last climb (10.3 km, 9.2% Kolovrat) is very hard and the descent is tricky. And the finish to Castelmonte is not easy either."

"Saturday's Passo Fedaia is the last mountain stage. It's the first time it will be over 2,000 meters in elevation, and many riders will be affected. The final climb to the finish will hurt many riders."

Tosat's dream scenario is for Kalapas to hold onto the maglia rosa and gain time on Hindley and Landa before Sunday's time trial. While Kalapas could hold a certain lead and perhaps even win from behind, Tosatto wants to avoid any tension or problems in the final stage.

"I want to start Sunday with more of a gap to Hindley, so I want to make time in the mountains," he said, perhaps revealing Ineos Grenadier's strategy for the next two days.