The 35-year-old will take on the Corsa Rosa – which he twice finished on the podium – for the eighth time in his career.
One of the most consistent Grand Tour riders this side of the century, with a total of 10 top-ten overall placings from 22 participations, Mikel Landa will return at the start of the Giro d’Italia this season, three years after his previous start there.
The experienced Basque had enjoyed an impressive first season in the Soudal Quick-Step colors last year, finishing top-five at the Tour de France while in the service of Remco Evenepoel and eighth at his home Grand Tour, the Vuelta a España. In addition to these, Mikel came runner-up in Catalunya – his best result there in six participations – and cracked the Critérium du Dauphiné top ten for the first time in his career.
The 108th edition of the Corsa Rosa, whose full parcours is set to be revealed next week in Rome, will start from Albania, the first Balkan country in 29 years to host the Grande Partenza. In total, three stages will take place there, including a 14km individual time trial on the streets of capital Tirana.
“I am very happy that I will race the Giro, which holds a special place in my heart. It’s the race that helped me make a name as a rider. Back in 2015 I won two stages there and finished third on the standings, and that stage I won over Mortirolo with the finish in Aprica is to this day one of my best memories. It’s going to be a challenge, because there will be many good riders at the start, but I will do my best to fight for a stage win and a good result in the general classification. I look forward to the month of May and to meeting again the incredible Italian fans who make the Giro one of the best races in the world”, said Landa, who’ll get his 15th pro season underway in March, on the picturesque white roads of Strade Bianche.
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
