Mikel Landa, who was forced to miss his first races of the season due to illness, will make his season debut in Sky colors at Coppi e Bartali at the end of this month. Interviewed by Velonews, French DS Nicolas Portal is still confident in his Spanish rider.

"It’s not the perfect preparation, but he has a big engine. Last year, he also had a bit of a late start, so maybe he can start the Giro not at 100 percent, and get much better for the end of the race."

After the Italian race, Landa will be present at the start of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and the Giro del Trentino before he heads to Liège-Bastogne-Liège. "It’s not the end of the world, and there is still time [before the Giro]. He has already been training [since] a few weeks ago, and I think the worst issue is behind him", Portal added.

Landa will be the leader during the first three-week race of the season (he finished 3rd last year). Sky signed him to give it a legitimate chance to win the pink jersey. Sergio Henao and Leopold Konig should be present at the Giro too.