29-Apr-2010 – Luzern: The first Grand Tour of 2010 is just 9 days away. The Giro d’Italia starts in Amsterdam on Saturday, May 8, and then continues in the Netherlands for three days before the riders head to Italy. The 93rd edition of the Giro will be highlighted by the return of legendary mountains like Monte Zoncolan, Plan de Corones and the Gavia Pass before it ends on May 30 in Verona after racing 3,418 kilometres. This year’s route will be ideal for expert climbers and resistance riders.

The selection for this year’s Giro d’Italia is done. Nine riders have been nominated to tackle the challenge of the first Grand Tour of the 2010 season. “In fact, half of our team roster is the same as last year. This is very important because we will arrive at this year’s Giro d’Italia with a more experienced team, ready to give our best,” explained Sports Director Alex Sans Vega (ESP). “Our team roster was selected with the goal of providing the strongest support for our leader Carlos Sastre (ESP) who came third in last years’ Giro, and winning two stages. In addition we also had two other stage victories, notably in the final time trial with Ignatas Konovalovas (LTU) who is again on this year’s roster. We are ready and optimistic and very much looking forward to participating in this year’s Giro.”

“Last year I had a great time at the Giro d’Italia and I want to go back” said Carlos Sastre. “The fact that I haven’t won the Giro gives me special motivation, and this years route is very attractive for a rider with my characteristics.”

Selection Cervélo TestTeam – Giro d’Italia 2010
Iñigo Cuesta ESP 03-06-1969
Volodimir Gustov UKR 15-02-1977
Ted King USA 31-01-1983
Ignatas Konovalovas LTU 08-12-1985
Daniel Lloyd GBR 11-08-1980
Gabriel Rasch NOR 08-04-1976
Carlos Sastre ESP 22-04-1975
Xavier Tondo ESP 05-11-1978
Marcel Wyss SUI 25-06-1986

Reserves
Davide Appollonio ITA 02-06-1989
Stefan Denifl AUT 20-09-1987

Sports Directors
Alex Sans Vega ESP 27-07-1976
Philippe Mauduit FRA 10-02-1968