Sastre sees strong Giro support

Carlos Sastre will have a strong bodyguard protecting his flanks in next month’s Giro d’Italia.

Cervélo TestTeam brings an experienced squad, with Ted King returning for his second Giro start, as the 2008 Tour de France champion makes the Giro his first season goal of 2010.

“Last year I had a great time at the Giro and I want to go back,” Sastre said. “The fact that I haven’t won the Giro gives me special motivation, and this year’s route is very attractive for a rider with my characteristics.”

Sastre won two stages in last year’s Giro en route to finishing fourth (later bumped to third following the disqualification of Danilo Di Luca for doping). This year’s mountain-heavy Giro, which returns to such legendary Monte Zoncolan, Plan de Corones and the Gavia, should favor Sastre even more.

“Our team roster was selected with the goal of providing the strongest support for our leader Carlos Sastre (ESP) who came third in last years’ Giro, and winning two stages,” said Cervélo sport director Alex Sans Vega. “In fact, half of our team roster is the same as last year. This is very important because we will arrive at this year’s Giro d’Italia with a more experienced team, ready to give our best.”

Sastre will enjoy strong support in the mountains from Spanish lieutenants Iñigo Cuesta and Xavier Tondo and hard-working Ukrainian Volodimir Gustov.

Along with King, the squad will also help protect Sastre in the flats with such riders as Gabriel Rasch, Marcel Wyss, Daniel Lloyd and Ignatus Konovalovas, winner of last year’s final time trial in Rome.

Cervélo for Giro d’Italia
Carlos Sastre
Iñigo Cuesta
Volodymir Gustov
Ted King
Ignatus Konovalovas
Daniel Lloyd
Gabriel Rasch
Xavier Tondo
Marcel Wyss