Cadel Evans finished 3rd in this year's Giro d'Italia and next year the Australian plans to be back in the race that was the scene of his grand tour breakthrough in 2002. He praises the route that requires attentiveness from start to finish.

Cadel Evans was a late addition to the start list for this year's Giro d'Italia when the Australian chose to ride the race in preparation of the Tour de France. While the French race ended up being a huge disappointment, Evans performed well in Italy where he finished 3rd overall.

Having admitted that a second Tour title is unlikely, Evans has set his sights on the Giro next year and played a prominent role in the presentation of the route that took place in Milan earlier today. With the race being the scene of his breakthrough in 2002 when he wore the maglia rosa before suffering a hunger knock, Evans looks forward to the 97th edition of the race.

“I started off in grand tours with Mapei in 2002, when I lost the pink jersey at the end,” he said. “I have an appetite for the Giro since that hunger crisis and I want to finish it well."

The Giro organizers presented a route with no less than 9 uphill finishes and most of the major difficulties concentrated in the final week. However, Evans point out that it is important to stay careful throughout the entire race.

“The first week seems easy, but like always you have to stay attentive to avoid problems," he said. "In the final week, you have to manage your strength and be ready for the big mountains.”

Scarponi: Monte Zoncolan is one of the hardest climbs

Unlike Evans, Michele Scarponi doesn't have a team for the coming season as his contract with Lampre-Merida hasn't been renewed due to his involvement with doctor Michele Ferrari. He hopes to have a contract in place for the coming season but hasn't decided whether he will ride the Giro which he won in 2011.

If he decides to participate, he know how to approach the race.

“As the race goes on, it gets harder," he said at the presentation. "The first part seems easier but nothing is a given. I’d hope not to lose time early on and save as much energy as possible for the finale."

The race is set to be decided on the brutal Monte Zoncolan which Scarponi tackled in the 2010 and 2011 editions of the race.

 “It’s one of the hardest climbs I’ve ever done and it’s always decisive," he said of the mountain. "The winner there usually goes on to finish on the podium or win overall.”

The Giro starts on May 9 in Belfast and finishes on June 1 in Trieste.