Three stage wins, and a near omni-presence in the breaks, Bardiani-CSF have certainly delivered for their sponsors at the Giro d’Italia and justified their wildcard selection. Any hopes of a strong GC placing the team harboured have failed to come to fruition, Battaglin being their best-placed rider at the moment more than one hour and forty behind Nairo Quintana.

But, as they had done in all of the races they have been awarded wildcards this season, Bardiani-CSF have rode well and showed their colours. Nicola Boem has been no stranger to the breaks either, while sixth place at Milan-San Remo for Sonny Colbrelli showed the Italian team’s success at the Giro has been by no means a fluke. Their selection may have been a little surprising given the teams who missed out, but they have answered any critics in the best possible way.