Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Peter Velits, the rider the team rode for as a GC contender at Tirreno-Adriatico, gave it his best in the final Stage 7, 9.3km San Benedetto del Tronto time trial.
Velits finished with a time of 10'56", good enough for 8th place on Tuesday. Velits also was the top GC finisher. Gert Steegmans finished in the top 15, wrapping up the time trial in 14th place with an eleven minute time to completion.
Vincenco Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) won the overall at Tirreno-Adriatico, besting Chris Horner (Radioshack-Nissan) by 14 seconds. Roman Kreuziger (Astana) was 3rd. Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack-Nissan) won the stage, Daniele Bennati (Radioshack-Nissan) was 2nd and Cameron Meyer (GreenEDGE) was 3rd.
"It was not bad," Velits said of his time trial performance. "In the first corners I didn't take risks, then I understood the time was good. I pushed really hard. In general it was a good race for me, even if I expected something more. I was here for a top ten placement but it did not work out. I do not know why. In Chieti I thought it was not my finish, but then also in the long climb the day after I wasn't super. In Oman, where I won the GC, I reached a really good level. Maybe I have to know how to manage my top form condition better. In any case, I am aware about the fact I can really reach a good level. In general, this first part of the season is a step ahead in my career."