Yep, there it is! Movistar has also unveiled its lineup for the Giro d'Italia - the race kicking off on Saturday, May 4 - with a post on X. Among the eight riders, we spot some intriguing names, with Nairo Quintana and Fernando Gaviria leading the charge in the mountainous and sprint stages, respectively. In fact, it's worth noting that Eusebio Unzué's squad will journey to Italy with no less than three Colombian leaders. Einer Rubio will also be among them. The 26-year-old from Chiquiza is renowned as a formidable climber with a sharp finishing kick. Notably, he clinched a stage victory in last year's Giro d'Italia.
There's a strong likelihood that Quintana, alongside Rubio, will be vying for stage successes. In 2023, the 2014 Giro winner missed out due to a doping suspension, but this season, he appears to be gradually regaining his form. The South American climber recently suffered a crash during the final stage of the Tour of Catalonia, raising doubts about his readiness for the Giro. However, it seems those doubts have been answered in the affirmative.
Gaviria as figurehead in sprint stages, Cimolai as the lead-out?
Recently, Nairoman also hinted at his aspirations for the general classification. "Obviously, I'm not ready to take on the Giro or celebrate," he stated. "I'll simply be a different person, enduring immense suffering. I know it will be challenging given my current condition, but it's crucial for me to be there. I'm determined to win, and I've prepared myself accordingly. Additionally, I feel a significant responsibility to support the team; it's a vital role for me given my experience."
In the sprint stages, Fernando Gaviria, a five-time stage winner at the Giro, will be the main focus. He started the year with a bang at the Tour of Colombia, which played to his strengths. Although he hasn't found his rhythm since then, we should never underestimate him. Will Barta, Alberto Torres, Pelayo Sánchez, Lorenzo Milesi, and Davide Cimolai round out the team selection.
Selection Movistar Giro d'Italia 2024
Nairo Quintana
Einer Rubio
Fernando Gaviria
Will Barta
Alberto Torres
Pelayo Sánchez
Lorenzo Milesi
Davide Cimolai