Cycling: In the last part of our team presentation for the Giro d'Italia 2023, we look at the five weakest teams. How can they successfully master the challenge of the Tour of Italy? Is a stage win even possible?
Eolo—Cometa
The Eolo – Kometa team is known to many because it is managed by Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, among others. In the actual operational business of a bike race, however, the two former top stars are relatively successful. The eight nominated drivers will not be quite so reserved Giro d'Italia 2023 present. Equipped as an underdog with a wild card, the sky blue must seek their salvation in flight. This applies above all to the two Italians David Bais and Mattia Bais to, as well as to the Hungarians Eric Fetter and the Spaniard Diego Seville. All four are doing quite well over the mountains, but you don't really think they're capable of a stage win with such a strong field of riders. But they also have the Italians for that Mirco Maestri, Vincenzo Albanese and Francesco Gavazzi with you. They get along well on hilly terrain and can often still be found in the peloton when the pure sprinters have already been left behind. Since they are also relatively good at sprinting, they can win out of a group. In the high mountains, everything will open up Lorenzo Fortunato focus. The 26-year-old Italian is considered a good climber, which he already proved at the 2021 Giro d'Italia when he won a stage as a soloist.
Green Project - Bardiani - CSF - Faizanè
The Italian second division Green Project - Bardiani - CSF - Faizanè will compete in the Giro d'Italia 2023 with seven Italians and one Eritrean. In recent years, this team has been a regular at the Tour of Italy and was able to put its stamp on the race thanks to the many breakaway attempts. We can expect the same this time. Because we don't see a classic sprinter in the line-up, nor do we find an excellent climber. Your strengths lie mainly on hilly terrain. Still, they'll try a breakaway on almost every stage. While it Luca Covili, Samuele Zoccarato and Alessandro Tonelli are more likely to try in the mountains, could Davide Gabburo and Filippo Fiorelli, as well as the Eritreans Henok Mulubrhan also try on somewhat flatter stages. They can also get uphill well, but they also have a decent sprint. Filippo Magli and Martin Marcellusi are contesting their first Grand Tour and will probably not come close to winning a stage.
Intermarche-Circus-Wanty
The Intermarché – Circus – Wanty team is much more versatile. With the Italian Niccolo Boniface and the Belgian Arne Marit you have two fast-paced drivers. They will have a hard time against the top stars, but at least there is a realistic chance. If it gets a bit hilly, the Norwegian could Sven Erik Bystrom start to fuel. He gets over the climbs much better than his two colleagues. If a sprint is not an option and the profile is heavy but not too heavy, the Belgian might dare Laurents Huys and the Italian Simone Petilli out of cover. They both like to walk in groups and on a good day there might come close to a successful escape attempt. The personality of the German Belgian is exciting Laurence Rex. He actually prefers the cobblestones. Within the team he is definitely a real house number on the level. This applies to the Estonians in the mountains Purely Taaramäe – and has been for many years. The now 36-year-old has already won two stages at the Vuelta a Espana and one at the Giro d'Italia. However, his best days seem to be over. The Italian should do well on hilly stages Lorenzo Rota to be the strongest man of Intermarché - Circus - Wanty.
Arkea – Samsic
At Arkea – Samsic has been for years Warren Barguil the star. Also at Tour of Italy That will be the case in 2023. And the Frenchman is definitely capable of a place in the top ten in the overall standings if he is in top form. His compatriot will concentrate more on stage wins Maxim Bouet. The 36-year-old loves to sneak into groups with all his experience. Especially when the roads are uphill. Significantly younger, but equipped with a similar driver profile Thibault Guernalec from France, Michael Ries from Luxembourg and Alessandro Verre from Italy. While the first two already have a Grand Tour in their legs, a three-week national tour is new territory for Verre. In order to equip the squad completely and strongly in all areas, the Arkéa – Samsic team management also nominated three strong sprinting pilots. Dutchman David Decker must be the fastest among them, but every now and then he could also go with the Frenchman Clement Russo switch roles. Either way we'll see them in bunch sprints - hopefully well positioned by Alan Riou.
Corratec-Selle Italia
Freshly founded and then directly involved in the Giro d'Italia 2023 is the Italian second division Corratec - Selle Italia. The best-known man in the squad is undoubtedly Valerio Conti. At 30, the Italian is in the prime of cycling and can look back on a number of successes in his career so far. Among other things, he won a stage at the Vuelta a Espana. He's made for groups on hilly stages, from which he might win the day with his good acceleration. Alexander Konychev and Nicolas Dallas Valle have their strengths in the sprint. Together they will try to get the most out of their team in a bunch sprint. As a classic time trialist, the Brit is allowed to Charlie Quarterman be designated. On the first and ninth stage he will try to draw attention to himself. The line-up is completed by Stefano Gandin, Alessandro Iacchi, and Veljko Stojnic and Karel Vaček.
