Dutch youngster Wilco Kelderman has grown into the role of team leader this season, leading their charge at the Volta ao Algarve – where he finished fifth – before being desperately unlucky to suffer an ill-timed mechanical when well-placed overall at Paris-Nice. Last time out Kelderman wore the white jersey for two stages before eventually finishing third – and 17th overall.

This time however, he has approached the race differently, opting to forego the Tour de Romandie in favour of training camps and resting up. With just two one-day races under his belt since completing the Volta a Catalunya – finishing 12th – in March, 23-year-old Kelderman will hope to be back on peak form when the Giro rolls out. And if he is, the evidence so far this season suggests Belkin’s young leader will certainly be among the contenders.