Preview of the Giro d'Italia

SBS World News Radio: Sydney sprinter Caleb Ewan has the opportunity to make an impact on the world cycling stage during the Giro d'Italia which gets underway later tonight.

Preview of the Giro d'ItaliaPreview of the Giro d'Italia

Preview of the Giro d'Italia

The 21 year old is regarded as the best Australian talent since Tour legend Robbie McEwen, but faces stiff opposition.

Caleb Ewan stands just 157cm, but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up with the use of powerful legs.

The stocky sprinter is regarded as Australia's next hope at the Giro d'Italia.

But he admits he's up against the best in cycling's first Grand Tour of the year.

"It's definitely not going to be easy but I hope to go there and really be up there, going for podiums and hopefully wins as well."

Ewan has already enjoyed Grand Tour success in last year's Vuelta a Espana.

He says he made the most of the occasion.

"It was a bit of an eye opener for me and now I know what to expect going into a grand tour. The experience part of it was also great. Not just the winning part of it."

Andre Greipel and Marcel Kittel are among the world's best sprinters.

The Germans return to the Giro for stage victories.

Among the big-name riders challenging for overall honours is Vincenzo Nibali.

After winning the Tour de France two years ago, the Italian is dedicating all of his energies to his home race this year.

GreenEdge are banking on Colombian hope Estaban Chaves to produce - as he did in Spain last year with a top 10 overall finish.

"It's typical in the Giro. Small roads, hard climbs, long climbs, maybe bad weather in the third week. I know now I can do it."

Many view the Giro as an appetizer to the Tour de France.

Perhaps former winner Ryder Hesjedal describes Italy's Grand Tour best.

"I love Italian cycling, the passion for the sport, the history. When you have spent days in Italy, it's like nothing else."

The Giro starts in the Netherlands this weekend, before the field of 198 travel to southern Italy on Monday when the race resumes

 

 






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