The 100th Giro d’Italia rolls out on Sardinia tomorrow (Friday May 5), with a fittingly strong cast of riders looking to write their names into the history books in the milestone edition of the Corsa Rosa.
Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida) heads a balanced list of established GC contenders and rising stars looking to make their mark in one of pro cycling’s biggest races for the first time.
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For the first time in three years there are Brits set for the Sardinia startlist too, and in Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) and Adam Yates (Orica-Scott) there’s a realistic chance of a decent GC challenge too.
– Giro d’Italia 2017: seven key stages which could decide the race –
Nibali, meanwhile, is one of two former winners on the startlist – alongside 2014 champion Nairo Quintana (Movistar) – with both men likely to be among the chief protagonists up the likes of Mount Etna, the Mortirolo and the Stelvio.
– Giro d’Italia 2017: TV schedule –
So who will be crowned Giro d’Italia 2017 champion? We’ve taken a closer look at the form of the contenders…