The Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team has officially announced the squad that will take part in the next Giro d'Italia.
"It's a beautiful Giro," explained Davide Bramati, who will be following the team from the team car with Rik Van Slycke. "During which it will be important to measure our energy in a build up to an extremely challenging final on major mountains. We'll be at the start with a young, motivated formation that can stand out on any type of terrain. For the sprints we can count on what Chicchi can bring. Francesco has started the season well. A victory in the Giro could give him good confidence for the rest of the season and reward him for the great work he's been doing up to now. In the stages ideal for breaks, there will be plenty of room for athletes like Bandiera, Golas, Maes and Martin Velits, who will also have to stay close to the two athletes that should give battle in the high mountain stages and in the general classification, Cataldo and Pauwels. Dario and Serge are two outstanding athletes who have already shined in the past on the road s of the Giro. Pauwels was a brilliant player in the race in 2009 and Cataldo stood out in the last editions, even coming close to a stage victory. The squad is completed by two newcomers to the three week races, Kwiatkowski and Vermote. Michal will try to put his skills as a time trial man to good use right away in the brief Prologue that will open the race, while Julien will gain some important experience in support of his teammates and a significant investment for his future. Overall the team has all its cards in order to go for a stage victory and a good placing in the general classification."
For more information on the race, and the roster, click the "more informaton" button below.