Cafevelo takes a look at the contenders -
Gilberto Simoni (34)
Simon's a fighter and a gutsy rider, but at 34 it could be now or never to bag his third Giro win. There's evidence out there to suggest that old men can still jump. Coppi won the 1953 edition at the age of 34 and more recently, a 34 year old Tony Rominger made it to the top spot in 1995. The other big question surrounding Simoni is how much support will the Spanish based Saunier Duval-Prodir squad give him.
Paulo Salvodelli (33)
A two time winner, but could this year's route just be a little too mountainous for il falco? Last year he lived up to his nick name and sawed down the descents like a falcon, enabling him to make up for his poorer climbing skills. His form in the recent tour of Romandie was good with a win in the opening time trial, but he had to retire early due to illness. This must of affected his build-up to the race. Cunego and his Lampre chums checked out the climb to the Plan de Corones (stage 17, May 24) this week (click here for full cyclingnews story) and had to use a snow plough to reach the top! In true old skool style, riders will have to negotiate a dirt track for the final 7 km. Cunego's comment ran along the lines of, put your foot down and you're buggered.
Damiano Cunego (24)
Cafevelo's money's on Damiano. He knows the score from his victory in 2004 and has the thirst to win after his form went off the boil last year. Cunego's recent win at Giro del Trentino and his second place in LBL, suggest that the lad is back at his best.
Go damiano!
Danilo Di Luca (29)
Top five, yes. Top three, nah.
Ivan Basso (28)
This year's race is between Basso and Cunego. If it comes down to the wire, Ivan's superior time-trialling could give him the edge. Although his decision to ride both the Giro and the Tour could lead Basso to spreading himself to thin, especially if you consider that Landis and Ullrich are using the Giro as training for the tour.
* Wild cards *
Floyd Landis (30)
The official line is that if Landis rides it will be strictly as preparation for le tour. However, as his wins in Tour of California, Paris-Nice and Tour de Georgia show, when victory's up for grabs, Floyd snaps it up. Phonak team mate, Victor Hugo Pena is a handy climber and like Landis has earned his stripes at US Postal.
Jan Ullrich (33)
Just kidding, Jan the man is apparently using the Giro as a training ride (!), with Serhiy Honchar (2nd in 2004) likely to be T-Mobile's GC.
Jose Rujano (??)
Will he won’t he? At the moment it looks like the Venezuelan will be turning out for the Selle Italia team. He's made an appearance for the squad this year and despite his lack of competition put in a fine performance. This is despite the war of words that has erupted over his contract with the team and time of departure to Quick Step. He's talented, pissed, and South American, all of which adds up to a supreme wildcard. The big question is how he will cope this year now that his competitors are aware of his talents.
Cafevelo predicts this year’s giro podium will be:
1st Cunego
2nd Basso
3rd Salvodelli
