Even if he is not yet fully recovered from his effort at the Giro d'Italia, Elia Viviani is really confident before the first European Games, in Baku. The Team Sky rider, who won the 2nd stage at the first three-week race of the season, will be the leader of the Italian selection.

Interviewed by Tutto Bici, he explained how he prepared this event. "After the Giro I gave myself a ‘soft’ week, I cycled mostly for pleasure without exceeding two and a half to three hours riding. The Giro was tough and I needed to regain some power. I have started pedaling with greater intensity because Baku is ahead. There is still enough time to evaluate what the Giro gave me and fix what I took away."

Viviani hopes to get some good results on track and on road. "It was supposed to last two days and, instead, was cancelled after the first 24 hours. I was able to ride the first two events in the Omnium and get good results. In the pursuit I even posted my personal best, which is not bad considering that it was the first time I touched the track bike for a while."

He added that this year, he tested a new program in order to be at the top for the Olympics, in Rio. "These events have given me valuable guidance for the program next year. The Giro will be excellent preparation for the Olympics."

For the road race, he will be one of the favorites, but it will be hard to control the race. "Reduced teams complicate things and makes for an unusual race, which should be decided with a sprint but it is not definite. We are on alert and ready to do well on a demanding but not hard course, it will be difficult to control things for 220 kilometres. Among the opponents are Belgium and the Netherlands who have teams to be reckoned with. We will give it our all."