Rafal Majka (Tinkoff) established his potential for a place on the podium on Tuesday as the Giro d’Italia left the Netherlands and returned to Italy. The complicated stage 4 into Praia di Mare gave an early indication of the current form of the favourites and Majka was securely placed within the elite group.

“On the final climb when the moves came, Rafal had no problems in following the leaders there,” Tinkoff sport director Tristan Hoffman said. “He told me that he was feeling good and easily able to move up on the climb, so he’s looking in good shape.”

While the Giro has barely started, Majka’s ability to follow the favourites is a good sign, and he moved up from 39th to 13th overall.

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and Mikel Landa (Sky) may be the bookmakers’ favourites but Majka is a valid Giro podium contender.

After twice finishing in the top-10 at the Giro (7th in 2013, 6th in 2014), Majka rode his way onto his first grand tour podium with a third place in last year’s Vuelta a España.

This year, he returns to the Giro after skipping it last year and even though he lost 38 seconds in the opening time trial last las Friday, he should be able to defend against his main GC rivals in the rolling, 40.5-kilometer stage 9 time trial in Chianti on Sunday.

“I’ve seen in Romandie that my form is where it needs to be after a solid period of altitude training in Cyprus ahead of the Giro,” Majka said at the start of the Giro. “I’m happy with how I’m climbing and I think this is where the real differences will be made.”

“Majka is our absolute leader here,” Hoffman said. “If you look to the parcours, his history, how he has been riding in Romandie, he will be our main card.”

In the Giro Majka will be supported by Jesus Hernandez and Pawel Poljanski who will set the pace for him in the mountains.