NSN Cycling lay out their Giro d'Italia ambitions with Vernon, Strong and Hirt

This week sees the Giro d'Italia officially get underway, and the final squad selections are trickling in. Monday morning brought NSN's announcement. The former Israel-Premier Tech outfit is bringing multiple sprinting options to Bulgaria, but also the hope of a top-ten classification opportunity with one of their more experienced riders.

NSN have already taken nine victories this season, with almost half of them claimed by sprinter Ethan Vernon. The Briton will head to Bulgaria as sprint leader — but will share that role with a teammate. While Vernon targets the flatter sprint stages, Corbin Strong will lead the Swiss-based team in the more demanding sprint finishes.

The emphasis in the squad is logically on sprint firepower. Ryan Mullen, Nick Schultz and Dion Smith form a solid lead-out train, with Jake Stewart — in his regular role — tasked with delivering his sprinter into position. The final two spots go to climbers Alessandro Pinarello, who is having an excellent season, and the experienced Jan Hirt.

Sports director Dimitri Claes explains the team's goals and ambitions. "We start the Giro with ambition — we go for stage wins with our leaders Ethan and Corbin. Jan has finished in the top ten of the Giro classification twice before and will go for that again."

The talented Pinarello is given a free role to discover what he is capable of over three weeks, after being forced to abandon his Grand Tour debut in 2025 after just five days. "He will have the opportunity to go for stage wins in the mountain stages." Pinarello himself does not rule out a classification result either. "I'm going to try to win a stage, but maybe in the third week I'll be looking at the classification too. That is not the main goal though, and there is no pressure from the team for that."

Both leaders head to the Giro full of confidence. Vernon has already won four times this season and believes in his chances. "I think I can compete for the win. The first stage is immediately a big chance for me, with the pink jersey as extra motivation." The team's focus is firmly on the opening weekend. "Stage two suits Corbin really well, while I can do my thing again in stage three. We're very motivated to carry the momentum we have this season into the Giro," Vernon concludes.

Co-leader Strong is equally eager for the first Grand Tour of the year. "There are a lot of opportunities in this Giro. We have a very strong sprint team, with some climbers in good form too. I think we can put together three very good weeks," the sprinter says with confidence.