LONDON, April 30, 2010 (AFP) – Britain’s Bradley Wiggins will line up for the Giro d’Italia next week hoping a solid performance over three weeks of racing will boost his chance of a podium place on the Tour de France.

Wiggins’ main objective this year is to go one better than his remarkable fourth place finish last year on the Champs Elysees.

But his Team Sky outfit insist the Londoner will be racing as hard as he can in the three-week Italian race held from May 8-30, with the race leader’s pink jersey a realistic aim on the first stage time trial in Amsterdam.

Team Principal Dave Brailsford said: “You can’t go to a race like the Giro and not take it seriously. You go to the Giro to race the Giro and that’s what Bradley will do.”

It is Sky’s first participation on a three-week Tour, and Brailsford added: “We’re all incredibly excited about racing in the Giro d’Italia. It is Team Sky’s debut in a Grand Tour event and another special moment for us.”

Wiggins, the Olympic pursuit champion in team and individual, will be joined by Dario Cioni, Michael Barry, Steve Cummings, Chris Froome, Mathew Hayman, Greg Henderson, Morris Possoni and Chris Sutton.

Team Sky:
Bradley Wiggins (GBR), Dario Cioni (ITA), Michael Barry (CAN), Steve Cummings (GBR), Chris Froome (GBR), Mathew Hayman (AUS), Greg Henderson (NZL), Morris Possoni (ITA), Chris Sutton (AUS).