Movistar eye overall victory at the Giro d'Italia — and here is who they are counting on

With the Giro start in Bulgaria just days away, squad announcements are arriving at pace. Ambitious Movistar have added their names to the list, with a clear aim of competing for the overall win. They will bank on leader Enric Mas — but they have more options than just one.

Mas leads the line for Movistar at the Giro d'Italia — and it is, remarkably, his debut at the race. The Spanish climber has already started fourteen Grand Tours, but has always split them between the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. Despite managing only 24th place in the general classification at the Volta a Catalunya in his most recent stage race, the ambitions surrounding him are sky-high: the team have declared via their website that they want to compete for the overall win.

In the hunt for a high overall finish, Mas will have quality around him in the high mountains. 'Juanpe' López is among those named in the squad — a rider who has previously worn the pink jersey and knows what the Giro demands. Einer Rubio is also selected, currently on the provisional start list for all three Grand Tours this year. Javier Romo rounds out Movistar's mountain cavalry.

For the sprint stages — or the punchier finales — Movistar turn to Orluis Aular, their most effective option when the road has been roughened up on the way to the finish. Iván García Cortina also carries fast legs when the terrain rolls. Strong rouleurs Nelson Oliveira and Lorenzo Milesi complete the eight. Beyond the GC ambition, the team are hoping to take stage wins too — which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone in this squad.