An outsider for the GC as part of a strong Lampre-Merida line-up which also boasts the talents of Damiano Cunego and Przemyslaw Niemiec, Diego Ulissi is certainly capable of competing for the white jersey. Already marked as a possible contender for the maglia azzurra, if Ulissi opts to focus instead on GC he is more than capable of pushing the likes of Majka close.

Second only to Nairo Quintana in the Tirreno-Adriatico youth classification – a story which could well repeat itself at the Giro – Ulissi has also already enjoyed a stage win and third overall at the Tour Down Under. The biggest barrier between him and chasing one of the jerseys will be wear the team’s ambitions lie however. With Roberto Ferrari also to protect for the sprints, and Cunego and Niemiec both more than capable of challenging for the maglia rosa, Ulissi mat find himself relegated to support riding only.