With the Giro d’Italia back on Italian soil after three highly successful stages on the island of Ireland, the focus will switch to the home riders.
Many have taken to Twitter today to express their relief at reacquainting themsleves with the Italian sunshine after three rain-soaked days of racing on the Emerald Isle.
The Giro peloton has more than its fair share of Italian riders, and some of the biggest names in the race hail from Belle Italia. Five of the ninteen teams contesting the race are Italian, including three of the four invited from the Pro Continental ranks to compete against WorldTour opposition by race organisers, the RCS.
We got up close to some of their machinery to bring you this gallery, featuring the steeds of Ivan Basso, Michele Scarponi, Franco Pellizotti, Manuel Belletti, Enrico Battaglin, Gianluca Brambilla and Domenico Pozzovivo.
