Mikel Landa said his third-place finish in the Tirreno-Adriatico has given him new confidence heading into the Giro d'Italia in two months.

Landa, a Spanish climber, finished 85th, 1:23 behind winner Filippo Ganna in the opening time trial, before finishing third in San Benedetto del Tronto ahead of Richie Porte, Jai Hindley, Thibaut Pinot, and Remco Evenpor. He finished in third place, ahead of Richie Porte, Jai Hindley, Thibaut Pinot, and Remco Evenpole.

Randa, who led a strong Bahrain Victorias team that included Damiano Caruso, Pello Bilbao, and final stage winner Phil Bauhaus, told the podcast Biciescapa (opens in new tab) that his podium finish in Tirreno-Adriatico unexpected result for him, he said.

"Before the start I had my doubts and I didn't think I could make the podium. I thought a top ten finish was possible, but not third. It's a tough race and there are a lot of days that are taxing on different riders. In the end I was able to get on the podium. [I am very happy with third place. I was able to regain my confidence. When your legs are moving, your feet are moving. But when your head doesn't move, everything gets a little more complicated. A result like this week helps a lot. This way I can look back on last season and think about the future.

Landa started the season quietly at the Vuelta a Andalucía before heading to Italy. After a ninth-place finish on the "Wall" stage in Verante, he closed out the race with a third-place finish in Monte Carpeña.

Although he and Jumbo Visma's Jonas Vingegaard were nowhere near Pogachar's level, the 32-year-old Landa still managed to beat some of the top GC challengers in the race. Landa said that he is "unbeatable" at the moment in direct competition with the Slovenian.

"Personally, I think he's the best I've seen in years. He's very calm, he's fast, he climbs well."

"It's difficult, but we have to test him by getting close every day. This time I only had one day chance and he was much better. But anyone who wants to test it in another race will have to know that they will have to put him in a tight spot for more than one day

"So far he has no weaknesses. Maybe isolate him from the team, leave him alone, and have some riders from the same team in front of him ....... But for now he is unbeatable in head-to-head competition."

Following a good run in Tirreno-Adriatico, Landa will return to Italy in April for the Giro d'Italia and then the Tour de France. After a week in Italy, Landa said he is "in better shape than ever."

"I'm in better shape than ever. This has been a great week for me. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed cycling. Last year was very hard. Next up is the high altitude training camp, then the Tour de Alps, then the Giro. I feel good this week and I'm fully recharged."

"I didn't finish the last two Grand Tours, but I have options again this time and I will fight for the podium," he said of the Giro.

"We must not forget that there are many 'cracks' (top riders) now. Carapaz, Lopez, Simon Yates ....... Even without Pogachar, Vingegaard, and Roglic, it doesn't mean that there are no competitors. But yes, I'll be aiming for the podium."