We are now in the final stretch before the big departure of the Italian Tourwhich will take place this Friday, May 9 from Albania, and the waltz of the formalizations of team compositions continues at the start of the week. The Intermarché-Wanty training will present itself at the start of this 108th edition with a selection organized around its climber Louis Meintjeswhich will aim for a good general classification for its 3rd participation in Giroand its sprinter Gerben Thijssenwho will discover the Italian test. The South African will be able to count on the Lombard climbers Simon Petilli et Kevin Colleons To accompany him in the mountains, while the Belgian will have at his service Gijs van Hoecke et Dion Smith To launch it in massive sprints. Stage winner on the Giro 2021, Taco van der Hoorn will have a role of free electron as an elite adventurer. Younger runner of the band, Francesco Busatto (22 years old) will participate in his very first big round and completes this selection which will mainly be turned towards the offensive and the stage victories.
VIDEO – The 108th Giro of Italia route
“Several spearheads, each with specific objectives on different terrains”
“Our selection of eight runners includes several spearheads, each with specific objectives on different terrains“explains the general manager Aike Visbeek in a press release. “Louis Meintjes and Taco van der Hoorn have both already proven themselves with Intermarché-Wanty on a large tour. With Taco, we identified the steps conducive to the escapes, from the start in Albania. As for Louis, we focus on the last week because it is generally where he shines most and where he will have opportunities to make the difference. We have confidence in him and collectively, we must support him as best as possible and keep him in the race to the Alps. The climbers Simone Petilli and Kevin Colleoni will play a crucial role in this mission. You have to expect a still tight struggle in the general classification by then. We also invest in the development of two young fast runners, Gerben Thijssen and Francesco Busatto, for whom this Giro could mark an important step in their careers. Gerben will be able to count on an experienced sprint train, composed of Gijs Van Hoecke and Dion Smith, to make the most of sprint opportunities. He knew how to prepare well and the experience acquired during his beginnings on the Tour de France, combined with his serenity, could be the key to success“
Louis Meintjes also spoke. “”It is with a lot of motivation that I make my return to the Giro for the first time since 2020. It is a change that has done good after the routine in place for several seasons, focused on the Tour de France. So I adapted my preparation, with a more busy start to the season and I feel that the condition is improving. My sensations on Abruzzo Giro were positive, apart from the unfavorable weather on the queen stage. After having helped Georg Zimmermann to win the general, I followed an internship at an intense altitude with the team in Sierra Nevada. I feel well prepared for my third Giro. My previous experiences were not ideal because I was not in great shape, but I am determined to change this this year. My goal is to be active at the top of the race on several stages and to shine in escape and potentially in the general classification“.
