Lampre-Merida are hopeful that they will be able to continue their excellent season start when they line up for Sunday's GP Lugano with a very strong team. Recent Trofeo Laigueglia winner José Serpa, Damiano Cunego, and Diego Ulissi will all chase success on the hilly course in Switzerland.

With four wins for Sacha Modolo, an excellent showing by Rui Costa in the Volta ao Algarve, and Jose Serpa's victory in the Trofeo Laigueglia, Lampre-Merida have had a fabulous start to the season and the team is hopeful that they will keep their momentum going this weekend when they line up at the GP Lugano. The 169.4km race consists of 5 laps on a 34km circuit (the first one is shortened to 33.4km) that is a rather hilly affair and a perfect chance for Ardennes specialists.

Hence, Lampre-Merida will line up two of their experts for the hilly classics as the team will be spearheaded by Damiano Cunego and Diego Ulissi. The latter has already won a stage of the Tour Down Under as well as finishing on the podium and last Friday he was 5th in the Trofeo Laigueglia. The former has given indications that he is back at a higher level after a very difficult 2013 season.

The duo will be joined by Jose Serpa who took an impressive win in Friday's win in Laigueglia and will try to put his usual splendid early-season form to good use again. Veterans Manuele Mori and Matteo Bono will play support roles as will youngsters Niccolo Bonifazio, Andrea Palini, and an in-form Luca Wackermann.

Last year's edition of the Swiss race was cancelled due to bad weather. Cunego was 2nd in 2012.

Lampre-Merida for the GP Lugano

Diego Ulissi, Luka Wackermann, Damiano Cunego, Jose Serpa, Niccolo Bonifazio, Andrea Palini, Matteo Bono, and Manuele Mori