Stefano Oldani aims to shine again in front of home crowd, but Cofidis also focuses on Polish sprinter in Giro

Stefano Oldani is likely to keep all eyes on him. The 26-year-old Italian, who was riding for Alpecin-Deceuninck last year, wants to shine in front of his home crowd, just like last year, mainly targeting the transitional stages. Oldani won the twelfth stage to Genoa in 2022 and finished in the top ten five times last year, although he didn't have a fantastic spring. It started promisingly with two top ten finishes in Mallorca, but then the Italian's form completely faded.

The internal dynamics within the team are still uncertain, but it is possible that Oldani might have to work for Stanislaw Aniolkowski in the flat stages. The 27-year-old Pole has sprinted to top-five finishes in the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico this season. Frenchman Benjamin Thomas should make an impact in the two time trials, while German Simon Geschke, Spaniard Ruben Fernandez and Frenchman Thomas Champion will have to make their mark from breakaways. The 23-year-old Briton Harrison Wood and 26-year-old Frenchman Nicolas Debeaumarché are facing their first grand tour.

"It's possible that we may find ourselves at a significant disadvantage in the general classification after the first two stages, which provides opportunities for the rest of the race," team director Roberto Damiani said in a later press release. "From our side, we need to view each stage as a classic. We're counting on Benjamin Thomas in the two time trials and on Stanislaw Aniolkowski and Stefano Oldani in the bunch sprints. Additionally, we must be opportunistic and read the race well. Last year, the peloton sometimes let go of the breakaway all the way. Thomas Champion was even in the breakaway the longest. Ruben Fernandez and Simon Geschke can also take their chances. I am confident that our team can win at least once during the three weeks."