Final preparations are underway for the Giro d’Italia, with teams arriving in Belfast ahead of Friday’s Grande Partenza in the Northern Irish capital.

Though defending champion Vincenzo Nibali is not among them, the battle for the maglia rosa is set to be fiercely contested by the likes of Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar).

But who else will be on the starting ramp when the team time trial rolls out on Friday (May 9)?

We have brought you an in-depth preview of the route and GC contenders as well as deciphering the chances of the King of the Mountains contenders.

Now read part one of our team-by-team previews, looking at how some of the big-name teams are preparing for the 97th Giro d’Italia.