Nov 30, 2005 0
Everyone Loves The Giro
At a recent get-together to honor Ivan Basso, Yaroslav Popovych and Paolo Salvodelli, the issue of riding the Giro was discussed. In seems that the “will he or won’t he” question is not yet put to bed on whether Ivan Basso will ride the Giro.
Upon looking at the course which seems more tailor made for his team and skills than the Tour De France, Basso cannot let the idea of riding into Milan wearing the Maglia Rosa go. This is probably from the time-off during the off-season where Bjarne isn’t shooting the idea down for good. Next week, after the CSC Boot Camp, Basso may not be waxing about riding the Giro and speaking about each competitor he will face in the Tour and how they shoudl be the favorites and not him.
Yaroslav Popovych is a Ukrainian turned Italian and even he had to inquire with Johan Bruyneel about the possibilities of riding the Giro. He was quickly only to be rebuffed logically since Discovery has the defending champion on the team. Paolo Salvodelli pointed out that this year he will enjoy getting the varsity squad to support him, instead of the jv’s.
This year at the Giro I will have a senior squad which includes Rubiera, Padrnos, Beltran and Danielson a rider who is tougher than he even knows.
Seems like Discovery will be trying hard to defend the Giro title.