Tudor focuses on very strong Storer and Dutch sprinters, but excludes Hirschi from squad

The 26-year-old Hirschi was one of Tudor's most important riders in the spring, but he disappeared when he was needed most. His best result in the hilly triptych was 40th place in the Amstel Gold Race. He is not in good shape, so his team has decided to leave him out of the Giro. "I’m really disappointed not to be racing the Giro,” he said on his team's website. “It’s a beautiful race, one that makes me dream and that I was excited to debut in. It’s frustrating not to be at the level we had planned for."

Hirschi was supposed to chase the pink jersey in the opening weekend, but that was deemed unrealistic. Tudor's other ambitious plans with the former winner of the Flèche Wallonne and a Tour stage can also be put on hold. Sports director Claudio Cozzi told IDLProcycling.com during the Tour of the Alps: "Marc Hirschi is a different story; he will get a free role. We tried to ride for the GC with him in the Tirreno-Adriatico, but he said very honestly that he would rather go for stage wins."

Hirschi's absence will hurt, but it won't stop the team in its quest for glory in Italy. Fabian Cancellara, owner of Tudor Pro Cycling, is really looking forward to the first Grand Tour of the year. "After making our debut last year, we’re ready for another three weeks of aggressive racing. Competing in the Giro d’Italia is a true honor, and we’re deeply grateful to RCS for their trust. This second participation is an important step in the continued development of the Team."

With Hirschi out of the race, most hopes for success are resting on Michael Storer. The Australian climber showed he is better than ever in the Tour of the Alps, with a stage win and an overall victory. This has suddenly made him one of the dangerous outsiders for the overall victory. "I’m in great shape and high spirits," said Storer. "The hard work we put in during altitude training with the team, combined with our win at the Tour of the Alps, gives me a lot of confidence heading into this year’s Giro d’Italia. I’ve always loved this race, and I’m approaching it with a balanced mix of calm and excitement."

Storer will be supported in the mountains by Florian Stork, who won the Trofeo Serra Tramuntana and was an important domestique for the Australian in the Tour of the Alps. Stork's younger compatriot and German champion Marco Brenner will also be able to support his team leader until late in the final. Dutch riders Rick Pluimers and Maikel Zijlaard will compete in the sprints, with the former also a potential contender in the challenging mountain stages. The team is completed by Alexander Krieger, Yannis Voisard, and Larry Warbasse.