Though his suspension from racing due to ‘suspicious blood values’ cost him his 2009 King of the Mountains success and third place at the Giro d’Italia, Franco Pellizotti knows what it takes to win the classification and will lead Pro Continental team Androni Giocattoli-Venezuela at the Giro as he bids to show the sort of form which led to him nearly joining Astana in the winter. The 36-year-old was 11th at the Giro last year, and in the eight races he has started in his career has never finished outside the top 20.
Sixth at the Coppi e Bartali and ninth at the Giro del Trentino – including a third place on the Monte Bondone – show the 36-year-old has recaptured his climbing legs in time for this year’s race too. Though last year’s race suggests his target will be a good GC placing, if he was to challenge for the King of the Mountains he will certainly be a contender. If not, the likes of Diego Rosa and Emanuele Sella are also well-equipped to lead the Androni charge as they bid to justify their wildcard selection for this year’s race.
