Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling today announced the squad that will take on the 2015 Giro d'Italia. Headlined by 2012 Champion and 2014 9th-place finisher, Ryder Hesjedal, the green argyle team is versitile and features a mixture of youth and experience. Janier Acevado, Nathan Brown and Davide Formolo are  competing in their first Giro d'Italia, with Formolo  competing in his first ever Grand Tour. Tom Danielson is coming off great performances at Pais Vasco and Volta Catalunya, where he won the Mountains Classification, while TJ Slagter recently posted strong riding in the Ardennes, including 9th place at at Flèche Wallone. The nine-rider squad includes three Italians for the Italian Grand Tour in Formolo, Alan Marangoni and Davide Villella. 
 

Since inception, Slipstream Sports has historically had great success at the Giro d'Italia, topped by Ryder Hesjedal’s overall GC win in 2012. Hesjedal finished 9th overall in last year’s edition. The organization's first Giro d'Italia win came in 2008 with a victory in the team time trial. A second win in the team time trial came in 2012 Giro d'Italia. Additional stage wins include two sprint victories (2010), one individual time trial win (2011) and a one from a breakaway (2013). 

Director Charly Wegelius said: "Ryder Hesjedal, champion of 2012 Giro d'Italia, headlines Cannondale-Garmin's 2015 Giro team. Ryder approaches the Giro in strong form and knows how to pace himself in grand tours. His vast experience, especially as a  Giro winner, will be a precious resource for the team. Racing the Giro with a former winner on the squad is a unique opportunity for our younger riders like Nate Brown, Davide Formolo and Davide Villella and one that I expect them to take full advantage of.  We can also count on the strength and experience of well-grounded riders Janier Acevedo,  Andre Cardoso, Tom Danielson, Alan Marangoni and TJ Slagter. This is a versatile team with a mix of youth and experience, and we'll be looking for opportunities throughout the race."

Ryder Hesjedal added: "I couldn't be more excited to start another Giro d'Italia with such a great group of people. The riders and staff know how hard a 3-week race is and I know we are all ready for the challenge, and prepared to continue our strong legacy with the race."

CANNONDALE-GARMIN 2015 GIRO D'ITALIA LINE UP
ACEVEDO, Janier
BROWN, Nathan
CARDOSO, Andre
DANIELSON, Tom
FORMOLO, Davide
HESJEDAL, Ryder
MARANGONI, Alan
SLAGTER, Tom
VILLELLA, Davide