Jayco-AlUla has also finalized its eight-man roster for Giro d'Italia: competing on all fronts seems to be the motto

Jayco-Alula also has its eight-man roster set for the Giro d'Italia. A post on the team's website elaborates on the roles and responsibilities of each member, indicating the team's intent to compete on multiple fronts.

Eddie Dunbar leads the squad. The Irishman finished an impressive seventh overall last year and aims to replicate or surpass that performance. "I'm eagerly anticipating my return to the Giro," Dunbar commented. "While my preparation may not have been as meticulous as last year's, it was sufficient. The challenging course demands vigilance from the outset. It's shaping up to be another demanding Giro."

Helpers for Dunbar, strong train for Ewan

Luke Plapp is another rider who could potentially target a strong overall classification, although his primary focus appears to be on the two individual time trials and supporting Dunbar. Filippo Zana and Alessandro De Marchi also form part of the support team, with De Marchi additionally taking on the role of road captain. "We've been working towards this for months," team boss Brent Copeland mentioned in the same statement. "I'm proud of the groundwork we've laid and confident that we can make our mark over the course of 21 stages. We're aiming for success on at least one stage, whether that be in the mountains, sprints, time trials, or via a breakaway."

Then, there's sprinter Caleb Ewan, who has three teammates supporting him: Luka Mezgec, Michael Hepburn, and Max Walscheid. While Ewan secured a stage win in this year's Tour of Oman, he hasn't been as prominent in sprint discussions elsewhere. However, he's not one to discount, as he himself acknowledges. "After a two-year absence, I'm really excited to return to the Giro. I've already claimed a total of five stage victories there, which brings back fond memories. I've been honing my form through altitude training in preparation for the Giro, though I'll first be competing in Eschborn-Frankfurt. Having a strong lead-out train to support me is reassuring."

Selection Jayco-Alula Giro d'Italia 2024

Eddie Dunbar
Luke Plapp
Filippo Zana
Alessandro De Marchi
Caleb Ewan
Luka Mezgec
Max Walscheid
Michael Hepburn