Ganna recorded a time of 45:53 at the line for an average speed of 54.922kph, which was significantly better than Netcompany Ineos GC hopeful Thymen Arensman, who was second best on the day, finishing in 47:47 to beat Rémi Cavagna (Groupama-FDJ United) by five seconds.
Race leader Afonso Eulálio (Bahrain Victorious) was expected by many to lose over 2:24 and the maglia rosa jersey today, but managed to hang on to pink as Jonas Vingegaard disappointed in the time trial, finishing three minutes after Ganna.
Eulálio overall leads Vingegaard by 27 seconds as the Dane was far from his best, finishing in a disappointing 13th spot. Vingegaard recorded a time of 48:53 at the line and lost over a minute to Arensman.
"I think we did an amazing job this winter, especially with the GC riders like Thymen, who rode really well for the second place – like at Tirreno-Adriatico", a jovial Ganna said after the race. "It's a good victory for us here. We'll enjoy tonight, and then we'll stay focused for the last 14 days."
“I’m aiming for three wins, and I want to reach ten,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I don’t know if I’ll manage it, but rest assured: I’m going to try. Friday is obviously my day, with the finish in Verbania, practically at home.”
Friday's 13th stage finishes close to Ganna's hometown in Verbania. However, Ganna will have his work cut out for him if he is to survive a late 4.7-kilometer climb at a sharp 7% gradient, which favours Vingegaard.