The two main Italian sprinters, Elia Viviani and Giacomo Nizzolo, haven chosen very different venues for their starts of the 2017 season .

The Olympic Omnium champion will travel to Australia to take part in his third Tour Down Under (January17-22), as revealed by Gazzetta dello Sport. WIth just two wins in 2016, the 27-year-old rider will attempt to open his account on the other side of the globe, where he has never finished better than third.

For his part, Giacomo Nizzolo will also will travel to the southern hemisphere and will find himself in temperatures similar to those of his compatriot. The Italian champion will represent the colors of the Trek-Segafredo on the South American continent at the Tour de San Juan, supposed to be held from January 24-29. Having ended his best pro season, the Italian will be keen to continue the momentum which concluded with a stage win in the Abu Dhabi Tour.