Orica GreenEDGE hoped to be more competitive in the bunch sprints during the 99th Giro d'Italia, but the staff does not want to put pressure on Caleb Ewan. The Australian sprinter has to improve in three-week races.

Sports director Matt White is confident in his rider. 

"For sure, he’s improving, the lead-out worked well todayLast year in the Vuelta, he finished in the bunch one day, the day he won. The Giro is new terrain for him, a lot longer stages and bigger depth in the field. He’s handling some hard racing here. He doesn’t lack anything. He certainly has speed, but he’s going to gain endurance and strength with age, as well. And experience, he’s only 21 years old," he told Cycling Weekly.

"The next opportunity is the stage to Bibione, for sure. There won’t be an opportunity until stage 12. Afterwards, the mountains. Yeah, I wish him all the best with that! He just needs to gain experience and strength. He’s 21, I think he’s developing well."