The Giro team presentation yesterday night was one to remember for the riders: The spectators cheered for each of the 22 teams, but naturally they reserved the biggest rounds of applause for the Irish riders Nicolas Roche, Dan Martin and local boy Philip Deignan.

Especially Nicolas Roche (Tinkoff-Saxo) was visibly moved. On stage, he said: “Thanks to everyone for being here, I'm speechless. I was expecting a warm welcome, but this is way beyond my imagination.

“As a kid you dream of a big race, but then I was thinking about the Tour of Ireland. Now we have one of the biggest sporting events of the world. As soon as I heard about the Irish start, I talked with the team as I definitely wanted to ride the Giro, and they changed my race program. I'm very excited to be here.”

Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp) also had a great time, and got the crowd roaring: “It's fantastic to be here, you people can teach Europe how a GT start should be done. Let's make sure the biggest crowds of the Giro will be here in Ireland!”

The biggest cheer of the evening went up for Philip Deignan (Team Sky). Hailing from Letterkenny just across the Irish border, the Ulsterman said: “I'm lucky to be a pro cyclist, and I've raced all around the world. But I never thought I'd see the day where I would be at the start of a Grand Tour here in Ireland.”

Kittel wouldn't commit to finishing Giro

Winner of the green jersey in the 2013 Tour de France, Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano) is the big favourite for the sprint stages. And with the regulations for the Giro's red points jersey now changed to favour sprinters, Kittel could go on to win this classification as well – if he finishes the race.

The German wouldn't yet commit to that, however: “Yes, the maglia rossa can become a goal. But we'll take it day by day.”

It could well be that Kittel decides to withdraw from the race before the tough mountain stages in the last week.

Evans targets podium, Uran and Quintana go for win

Joaquim Rodríguez (Katusha) lost the 2012 edition of the Italian Grand Tour by only 16 seconds, and has since finished on the podium of both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. After being so close, yet so far many times, the Catalan is ready to try again: “I have beautiful memories of 2012, despite losing on the last day. Am I here to win the Giro? Why not – I'll give it my best.”

Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) stood on the 2013 final podium, and his recent win in the Giro del Trentino proved that he was in good shape. The Australian made his goal for the race clear: “We're aiming for a podium place. Let's see at the end which one it will be.”

Other riders had fewer qualms about aiming for the highest honours. Last year's runner-up Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) admitted that the Giro route would be difficult, but he has a clear objective: “Especially the Zoncolan will be a tough climb. But ultimately I'm here to win the Giro.”

Despite this being his only third Grand Tour, Nairo Quintana is already the big favourite after finishing second in the 2013 Tour and taking home the white and polka-dot jerseys. And the young Colombian accepts that role. Asked outright if he was in it to win it, Quintana answered with just one word: “Yes.”

In less than six hours, the Giro will get underway when Colombia is the first team to roll down the start ramp of the opening team time trial.