The centennial edition of the Giro d’Italia will kick-off in less than 11 days on May 9 in Venice. The Cervélo Test Team has shaved it Giro d’Italia rider list from 12 to the nine that will start in Venice. The team is aiming for a top three finish on general classification in Italy according to sports director Jean-Paul van Poppel.
“We are going for a top result in the general classification with the leader and Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre,” said van Poppel. “He will get support from the entire team to reach a top three place in the general classification.”
Australia’s Simon Gerrans has been drafted into the squad with the aim of claiming a stage victory. Gerrans took his first Grand Tour stage victory in France last year.
“Another target is a stage win during the 100 anniversary edition of the Giro,” said van Poppel. “With Simon Gerrans the team has a good candidate to win a stage, though we also have Philip Deignan and Hayden Roulston as potential stage winners.”
The Norwegian Sprinter Thor Hushovd, also in the 12 man pre-selection for the Giro Team, decided last week to turn his focus on the Tour and will not start in the Giro, “I had a hard classic season and need a good break. After that, I will start building up my shape slowly for my next big goal, the Tour de France. For the Giro, I would have had to be ready right from the beginning of the race, but I haven’t had enough time to prepare.” Hushovd said.
Cervélo Test Team riders list:
Carlos Sastre (ESP)
Philip Deignan (IRL)
Simon Gerrans (AUS)
Volodymir Gustov (UKR)
Jeremy Hunt (GBR)
Ted King (USA)
Ignatas Konovalovas (LTU)
Serge Pauwels (BEL)
Hayden Roulston (NZL)
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