In an announcement today the Cannondale Pro Cycling team has confirmed two-time Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso as the their leader for the Giro d'Italia, with Elia Viviani named as the team's chosen sprinter.

Basso won the Giro d'Italia in 2006 and 2010 and has built his 2013 season around the Italian Grand Tour. Basso has turned 35 and has had an absolutely lacklustre season so far. He has failed to show any signs of form ahead of this year’s Giro but he maintains he has worked hard in training and the team management back his quest for a third overall Giro triumph.

“Basso’s results and preparation were as expected. He focused only on the Giro and we wanted him ready for this race. After two difficult years, this time Ivan followed his program without problems or injuries. He did all he had to do. Now the roads will give the verdict, but not many riders are as tough and determined as Ivan," Sports Director Stefano Zanatta stated.

For Viviani this is his inaugural Giro d'Italia and the sprinter is presumed to make use of his track racing skills to make a dash for the finish line in fierce competition with Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge), Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) and Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida) in the sprint showdowns.

"It’s important that he takes his chances and gains experience. We’re confident in him but he’s not under pressure to win. Elia is a young guy with a great talent: he will be free to race without pressure,” Zanatta explained.

Basso and Viviani will enjoy the support of seven strong domestiques, with Cristiano Salerno and Josè Sarmiento there to pull hard on the mountain stages.

“The Giro d’Italia is such an important race and the team is very motivated,” Zanatta said.

“I think it will be a tough race until the very last day and Cannondale will be able to play an important role. Nibali and Wiggins, as well as their teams, Astana and Sky, will have the pressure of being the favourites. We need to be patient and to be ready to exploit every situation. We know the Giro will be a hard challenge, but we're not ruling out any final result.”

Cannondale Pro Cycling line-up for the Giro d'Italia:
Ivan Basso, Elia Viviani, Tiziano Dall’Antonia, Paolo Longo Borghini, Alan Marangoni, Fabio Sabatini, Cameron Wurf, Cristiano Salerno and Josè Sarmiento.