Movistar said it is totally committed to helping Nairo Quintana win the Giro d'Italia after naming its team on Monday.
Quintana was the revelation of last year's Tour de France, out-performing star team-mate and leader Alejandro Valverde and coming second behind Chris Froome, whilst also winning both the young rider and king of the mountains jerseys.
It will be the third Grand Tour of the 24-year-old Colombian's career having debuted in the three-week stage races at the 2012 Vuelta a Espana, where he finished 36th - but critically - he's never raced the Giro.
"The team has been formed to support him. The aim is to fight for the podium," said manager Eusebio Unzue.
"After his second place at the Tour he is ready (to win) but we aren't forgetting that this is the first time he has such responsibility from the start -- that he will tackle a Grand Tour as a leader.
“You may have weaker opponents, but some of them have much more experience,” Unzue added. Of course it is possible to make the podium, but it will still be very difficult; which is why I’m realistic not overly ambitious.
"Trying to fight for a Grand Tour win is an ongoing evolution, to grow and adapt to command a team from the start, it's a different role for Nairo.”
Quintana's major support will come from Spaniard Igor Anton, twice a top 10 finisher at the Vuelta, having joined from Basque squad Euskaltel at the end of last year.
Movistar have also come well prepared for the team time trial with Adriano Malori and Jonathan Castroviejo providing key firepower in the specialised test.
The Giro begins in Belfast, 9 May, with the first three stages taking place in Northern Ireland and Ireland before heading back to Italy.
Movistar for the Giro d'Italia
Andrey Amador (CRC), Igor Anton (ESP), Eros Capecchi (ITA), Jonathan Castroviejo (ESP), Jose Herrada (ESP), Gorka Izagirre (ESP), Adriano Malori (ITA), Nairo Quintana (COL), Fran Ventoso (ESP)
SBS will broadcast every stage of the 2014 Giro d'Italia LIVE! The Giro d’Italia is live weeknights and weekends from 9 May to 1 June on SBS ONE and online here at Cycling Central.
Share
