The Tour de San Luis is not only ideal for the champions who want to start the season on a good note but also an excellent test for young riders who try to stand out in an international race. Thus, the Italian team will be a mixed formation, composed of three professionals and three U23 riders. It's designed by Davide Cassani, the Italian coach, to grow the champions of tomorrow.

Elia Viviani and Jakub Mareczko be the sprinters, while Filippo Pozzato will use his experience as road captain. "My role will be to act as captain," said Pozzato. "I have to thank the Cassani for having thought about me because I am very proud to be available to young riders with my experience."

Pozzato is happy with his new mission in the national team: "Everyone knows my love for the Azzurri and I will enjoy this moment with excitement. I hope to find a good pedal stroke as I will just have done the Six Days of Rotterdam so I hope not only to be the captain but also a key element in support of my teammates."

Pozzato is an old acquaintance of the local fans. "It will be my seventh appearance in San Luis. It is a race that has grown dramatically in recent years and has a high international level. Sometimes you have the feeling of being at the start of the Tour de France, but fortunately this is the start of the season and many champions are still in preparation."

The Italian squad will be led by Marino Amadori as Davide Cassani will be in Brazil on January 12 and 13 to check the course for the Olympics with Nibali, Aru and Malori. "Last year I was in San Luis and have to say that it is a good race to start the season," Cassani says. "It's very well designed, with fast and mountain stages, and the latter can be addressed without undue fatigue." 

Cassani, won't be in San Luis this year. "From Brazil, Aru and I will return to Italy because I have unavoidable commitments while Vincenzo and Adriano will fly directly to San Luis," he explains. "With regard to the mixed team in Argentina, it is in line with the approach recently taken by the Federation, which wants to grow the Italian movement. For Viviani, it is also important in terms of preparation for the World Championship on the track in early March in London."

Italy has a very clear strategy: "Mareczko is a young sprinter in his second year at the top levl and he has done good things in 2015. Minali, Ravasi and Alfini will get international experience. They will be joined Pozzato who has a proven experience and come with a good level because he has just done the Six Days of Rotterdam."