Geraint Thomas says he is determined there will be no repeat of his Giro d’Italia agony when he begins his quest for a second Grand Tour crown on Saturday.
Wales’ 2018 Tour de France champ was well in contention for the Giro in 2017 when a crash wrecked his hopes forcing him to abandon a few days later.
But Thomas returns for the opening stage in Sardinia as leader of Ineos Grenadiers challenge this year having proved his title credentials finishing second on Tirreno-Adriatico.
“I had some rough luck the last time I came to the Giro. I’m determined to right that wrong this time around,” said the 34-year-old.
“I’m excited to lead the Team again in Italy and I feel ready. It’s been a strange year for everyone but it’s great to have this big objective.
“The legs are feeling good – Tirreno went well and then the World Time Trial was a confidence booster for me. Now stage one is nearly here and I’m more motivated than ever.
“I’ve a long association with Italy – I’ve lived here, I’ve raced for an Italian team.”
Thomas will be supported by by Jonathan Castroviejo, Rohan Dennis, Filippo Ganna, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Jonathan Narvaez, Salvatore Puccio and Ben Swift for the three week slog around Italy.
Ganna won the World Time Trials Champs in Imola last Sunday when Thomas finished fourth despite racing without any feedback after his computer was mislaid.
He added: “We’re taking a great Team and I’ve got total faith in the guys around me.
“Racing a Grand Tour with Swifty again will be a pleasure – we’ve been good mates since I was 12 and he’ll be our guide on the road.
Tao and I have raced really well together before, most notably when I won the Dauphine, and Filippo is obviously flying after the Worlds.
“Puccio has so much experience of the Giro, young Jonny Narvaez is going really well and obviously everybody knows what Castro and Rohan can do.
“The Team couldn’t have supported me any better in the lead up to this race and I know those seven guys will do the job and support me on the road. Now it’s time to fight for the maglia rosa.”
Ineos Grenadiers Team Principal Dave Brailsford has paid tribute to the way Thomas has responded after a disappointing showing at the Criterium du Dauphine led to him missing out on Le Tour.
Thomas has instead been focussing the Giro where his second place overall – behind fellow Brit Simon Yates – showed he will be one of the main contenders over the next three weeks.
“Geraint has worked hard to get to this point and it’s been energising for the whole Team to see how he’s responded to the challenge of leading us at the Giro.
“He’s a true champion and I know he’s up for this fight. We’ve thought a lot about the right riders to support Geraint in Italy.
“We think we have a group that is really well balanced and has the right mix of skills to get the job done.”