PARIS, May 4, 2009 (AFP) – The Quick Step cycling team on Monday named a young squad of nine riders for the forthcoming Giro d’Italia, which starts in Venice on Saturday.

Kevin Hulsmans and Francesco Reda will making their Giro debuts, but both will be guided by the experience of Dutchman Addy Engels, who will make his seventh Giro appearance, and 2009 Tour Down Under champion Allan Davis.

“We’re coming to the Giro with a young team, ready to attack,” said sporting director Luca Guercilena.

“The average age of the team is 26. It’s a great group with some strong individuals like Kevin Seeldraeyers, who wore the white jersey in the 2009 Paris-Nice. Our goal is to be ready to stand out at whatever moment the race will allow us to.”

QuickStep team for Giro d’Italia:
Kevin Seeldraeyers (BEL), Dries Devenyns (BEL), Kevin Hulsmans (BEL), Addy Engels (NED), Dario Cataldo (ITA), Francesco Reda (ITA), Mauro Facci (ITA), Davide Malacarne (ITA), Allan Davis (AUS).