Will Giulio Ciccone go for the Giro mountains jersey? Lidl-Trek sports director Gregory Rast give their answer

Lidl-Trek arrive at the Giro d'Italia on Friday with two major Italian weapons. One is Jonathan Milan, who goes for the first maglia rosa in stage one's designated sprint finish in Burgas. The other is Giulio Ciccone — who last year was in a strong position in the race before a devastating crash forced him out.

The German team held one of the few proper rider presentations ahead of the Giro, at a Lidl supermarket in Ravda, not far from the start town of Nessebar. Ciccone and his teammates were introduced to a surprisingly large crowd of Bulgarian locals and tourists, all clamouring for autographs and photos.

Sports director Gregory Rast watched from a distance — alongside team manager Luca Guercilena and Bernie Eisel — but was also quick to keep an eye on his riders' wellbeing. Hand sanitiser was distributed, and when Ciccone started to feel the chill coming in off the Black Sea, the climber was promptly bundled into a car and driven back to the hotel.

Rast spoke clearly on Ciccone's objectives in conversation with InDeLeidersrui. Last year, Ciccone made one more attempt at the general classification — and after it ended the way it did, he drew his conclusions: never again. With Derek Gee-West alongside him as the team's GC leader, the Italian is free to race on instinct.

"Cicco is not going for the classification," Rast said firmly. "He is going for stage wins and will pick his days. For the GC we have Derek, and we think we can be in contention for a top five."

Ciccone confirmed as much later in the day in an interview with Eurosport. "I feel good. My programme was a bit different this year — fewer races and two altitude camps already done. I'm lacking a little race rhythm because of that, but the form is good and we are here for three weeks, so I think it will be a good Giro. I will focus on stage wins. As a team, we can win more than one stage."

Rast sees this edition as particularly suited to breakaway riders. "I already count at least ten opportunities, but in the end it depends on how the race is ridden — who is leading, who is defending their position and so on. Particularly in the second and third week, I think the attackers will get their reward."

Ciccone is widely regarded as the standout candidate for the blue mountains jersey. Rast is well aware of the opportunity. "When you are going for stages, the jersey naturally comes into view. There are a few decisive stages for that classification, like stage fourteen in Aosta. It's a short stage, but there are a lot of points on offer."

"If you can get in the right move and rake in the points on stages like that, those are the crucial ones. But a stage win always comes first."