While Fabio Aru underwent some tests at a clinic in Lugano due to the stomach virus that has forced him to skip the Giro del Trentino, Diego Rosa returned to Italy from the Amstel Gold Race and revealed the ambitions of the Astana team in the build-up to the Giro d'Italia.

"We planned to support our captain who is in great condition, and to develop the team mechanisms," he told Tuttobiciweb. "This small setback surprised us but it will not slow down our approach to the Giro. We worked well together in Tenerife and we are a strong group. In this race, we will miss the cutting edge, but we will try to attack. We will take it day by day, want to give a show and get top form for the Giro."

Yesterday Rosa was a protagonist in the finale of Amstel Gold Race but he suffered an unfortunate crash.

"I'm fine, I just have some superficial scratches," he said. My relationship with Fabio? It is great, we already raced together as amateurs. We are both strong climbers and we get along both on the bike and in our spare time. In the evening, we chat over a cup of coffee.

"We have not done much course recon for the Giro because we have been busy with training camps and races. Compared to other teams we have cared less about this aspect. Our technicians have looked at everything and in due time we will analyze it stage by stage.

"After this race we will spend a week in Sestriere with or without Fabio. I do not know if it will ride Liege or Romandie. I have just arrived from Belgium and I have not had the chance to speak to him or the sports director. We are all determined for the Giro, Fabio is a captain who can take his responsibility. This problem was not part of the plan but I'm sure we will arrive at the Giro ready to go for the best result."