Michael Rogers had a Giro to remember last year, taking two stages and guiding Rafal Majka to another top ten overall. This year the 35 year old Tinkoff-Saxo man faces a bigger challenge, as he looks to help Alberto Contador take the GC win.

In order to be fresher, the Aussie has opted to only ride his National Champs, Tour Down Under and four stages of the Volta a Catalunya. He explained his decision to SBS Cycling.

“To fulfill my goal of arriving at the Giro d’Italia with a balance of physical conditioning and mental freshness, the Tinkoff Saxo coaching staff and I decided to put greater focus on quality blocks of training, rather than the traditional early season competitions," said Rogers.

"Collectively as a team, we have done our best - both on and off the bike - in preparation for the Giro," said Rogers.

While it may seem like Rogers may be undercooked before heading to such a tough race, it is important to remember he only rode Liege-Bastogne-Liege before taking his successes at the Giro last year.