Bahrain Victorious have a clear Giro plan as they finalise their squad after a last-minute change

Giro d'Italia squad announcements came thick and fast on Monday, and Tuesday has continued in the same vein. Bahrain Victorious have named their eight, and true to form, the team from Bahrain have done more than just reveal a list of names. They have set out exactly who does what and why. IDL Pro Cycling takes a detailed look.

First, the leader: it will be Santiago Buitrago for the Tour of Italy. "He will be supported by a balanced selection that combines experience, climbing ability and opportunities for stage wins," the team stated in a press release. The Colombian two-time stage winner returns to the Giro, this his third outing in Italy.

"The Giro d'Italia has been one of my main goals since last year," Buitrago said. "It is a race that means a lot to me, one of my favourites, and it brings back very good memories. This season has gone well, from Australia to Liège, and my altitude training in Colombia has helped me arrive in good condition. I feel ready for this challenge."

He is satisfied with the support around him too. "We come here with a strong and balanced team. There is a good mix of young riders and experience, and it is very important for me to have someone like Damiano Caruso alongside me," Buitrago said, naming his most experienced teammate. "His experience in races like this is invaluable, and I know I can count on him over the coming three weeks."

The Colombian expects a demanding race. "I have already looked at several stages and the time trial will be crucial for the general classification. For us it is about staying consistent, staying healthy and a little luck — and then trying to fight for the top positions. The goal is to arrive in Rome in the best possible shape."

Damiano Caruso is ready for his ninth and final Giro. "It is one of the races I love most during the season, and it is certainly the race that has given me the most throughout my career," said the 38-year-old Italian. "My main goal is therefore to enjoy the race and to live the best possible emotions over three weeks. If I also achieve something significant — like a win — that would be the icing on the cake."

The veteran will serve as road captain and a key climbing domestique. Bahrain Victorious have also named Afonso Eulálio and Edoardo Zambanini as riders who "strengthen the team in the medium mountain stages and on certain stages, with Zambanini also offering an option in sprint finishes with a reduced field."

Robert Stannard has come in at short notice. "He joins following a last-minute change to the selection, as Govekar is missing the race due to a minor injury, and provides the team with an all-round support option and opportunities on certain stages throughout the three weeks." Alec Segaert "is valuable for positioning, support, the individual time trial and potential breakaway opportunities."

Completing the eight are Fran Miholjević and Mathijs Paasschens.

Sporting director Franco Pellizotti delivered one of the more detailed pre-race briefings of any team's announcement:

"The presence of Damiano Caruso in the team is very important for us, and for Santi too. He is probably the most experienced rider in the group, and in a Grand Tour a rider like him gives you that little bit extra. He will also have the freedom to go for a stage result, but he will certainly be one of the most important riders alongside Santi in the mountains."

"The rest of the group provides good balance. Mathijs Paasschens, Alec Segaert and Fran Miholjević will be important for support, positioning and protection, while Edoardo Zambanini and Afonso Eulálio arrive in very good form and can play an important role in the medium mountain stages and on the stages that suit them."

"With Santi, our goal is clear. A top five in the general classification is achievable. Even though we know how difficult it is in a Grand Tour — especially in the Giro d'Italia, the first of the year. I have confidence in him. He has grown enormously in recent years and has prepared himself excellently, both physically and mentally."

"We also want to try to win at least one stage, because with this squad that is possible. We will work day by day, with clear roles and objectives, and we will do our best — both riders and staff — to finish this Giro with a strong result."