The 88th edition of the Giro d' Italia (Tour of Italy) is set to start on Saturday, May 7, in Reggio Calabria. The 2nd most prestigious grand tour (only behind the Tour de France) has a little more "prestige" this year as all 20 ProTour teams have committed to participating. Normally a team like Discovery Channel (formerly USPS) would not partake in the Giro, but with the advent of the new ProTour, they are sending a competitive squad.
Last years surprise winner, 23yr old Damiano Cunego, and two-time winner and teammate Gilberto Simoni are the odds on favorite for the win this year. Ivan Basso has decided to take on the Giro and the Tour this year after his very impressive 3rd at last years Tour de France. It appears that all three mentioned here will be doing the Giro/Tour double and therefore I don't know how committed they are to putting the hammer down in Italy this month. But behind the obvious favorites are several former winners, proven tour riders and a few up and comers that are solely focused on a Giro win. I see the following with chances to win or be top 10:
Damiano Cunego (Ita) - Lampre - Caffita
Gilberto Simoni (Ita) - Lampre - Caffita
Ivan Basso (Ita) - Team CSC
Paolo Savoldelli (Ita) - Discovery Channel
Serhiy Honchar (Ukr) - Domina Vacanze
Stefano Garzelli (Ita) - Liquigas - Bianchi
Tom Danielson (USA) - Discovery Channel
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