Decathlon CMA CGM name Giro squad: Gall targets the podium, Lund Andresen targets the stages

The next team to join the Giro d'Italia squad announcement queue is Decathlon CMA CGM. The French team are targeting a podium place in Rome and are looking primarily to Felix Gall to deliver that. For the sprint stages, they have Tobias Lund Andresen — a dangerous option for the points classification — and a sprint train to match.

First, sporting director Luke Roberts, who sets out the ambitions clearly on the team's website. "A podium finish in the general classification," is how he frames it. "The team has had a very strong start to the season with solid results both in the sprints and in the mountains."

"As we enter this new phase of the season — the Grand Tours — the goal is to build on that momentum and confirm these good performances," Roberts continues. "We go into this race with two main targets. We want to stand on the podium of the general classification with Felix Gall."

Roberts is pleased with how his GC leader has prepared. "With solid performances at the UAE Tour and in Catalonia, he has been able to prepare optimally for the Giro. Gregor Mühlberger, Callum Scotson and Johannes Staune-Mittet are also in good form and will be invaluable in supporting him in the mountains."

The second main target is in the sprints. "Tobias Lund Andresen has shown this season that he is in outstanding form with three WorldTour victories — we will be targeting stage wins with him. Tord Gudmestad, Rasmus Søjberg Pedersen and Oliver Naesen will be crucial in delivering him into position for the sprint finales."

All of which adds up to a balanced eight who will always be looking for opportunities. "Overall, various chances will likely present themselves and the goal is to convert as many of those into victories as possible," Roberts concludes.

One final note worth highlighting: 35-year-old Naesen makes his Giro d'Italia debut here — his first Grand Tour start after ten consecutive Tour de France appearances. He has also never started the Vuelta a España, meaning this will be the first time his eleventh Grand Tour is anything other than the Tour.