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Giro d'Italia: five contenders for the victor's pink jersey Giro d'Italia: five contenders for the victor's pink jersey
(about 4 hours later)
Nairo Quintana, 24, Colombia MovistarNairo Quintana, 24, Colombia Movistar
The overwhelming favourite on a course that should be even more to his liking than last year's Tour de France, where he finished second to Chris Froome. The 24-year-old Colombian will have two priorities: to avoid mishaps, such as crashes or splits in the field, and to limit his losses in the only time trial stage, on day 12, as given the volume of climbing Quintana will have plenty of opportunities to create significant time gaps elsewhere The overwhelming favourite on a course that should be even more to his liking than last year's Tour de France, where he finished second to Chris Froome. The 24-year-old Colombian will have two priorities: to avoid mishaps, such as crashes or splits in the field, and to limit his losses in the only time trial stage, on day 12, as given the volume of climbing, Quintana will have plenty of opportunities to create significant time gaps elsewhere
Joaquim Rodriguez, 34, Spain KatushaJoaquim Rodriguez, 34, Spain Katusha
The Spaniard will be 35 on Monday; age is against him, so this could be his last chance to take the Grand Tour win that has been within his reach since 2010. 'Purito' is as explosive a climber as Quintana but he was unable to match the Colombian for staying power at the Tour de France last year. The Giro's shorter, far steeper climbs will favour him more than the longer more gradual ascents in France – but they should hold no fear for Quintana either The Spaniard will be 35 on Monday; age is against him, so this could be his last chance to take the Grand Tour win that has been within his reach since 2010. "Purito" is as explosive a climber as Quintana but he was unable to match the Colombian for staying power at the Tour de France last year. The Giro's shorter, far steeper climbs will favour him more than the longer more gradual ascents in France – but they should hold no fear for Quintana either.
Ryder Hesjedal, 33, Canada Garmin-SharpRyder Hesjedal, 33, Canada Garmin-Sharp
The Canadian has yet to prove that his 2012 Giro win was not a fluke and he will have to share leadership at Garmin-Sharp with the Irishman Dan Martin. Hesjedal can take time out of the other contenders at the stage 12 time trial – and possibly in Friday's team time trial as well – but his climbing is no match for Rodriguez and Quintana, so he and Martin will therefore have to create opportunities in other ways The Canadian has yet to prove that his 2012 Giro win was not a fluke and he will have to share leadership at Garmin-Sharp with the Irishman Dan Martin. Hesjedal can take time out of the other contenders at the stage 12 time trial – and possibly in Friday's team time trial as well – but his climbing is no match for Rodriguez and Quintana, so he and Martin will therefore have to create opportunities in other ways.
Rigoberto Urán, 27, Colombia Omega Pharma-Quick StepRigoberto Urán, 27, Colombia Omega Pharma-Quick Step
Last year's runner-up is probably the best all-rounder in the race and, at 27, it is time he made the step up from following the best to creating openings for himself. Last year he could stay in the shadows at Team Sky as Bradley Wiggins succumbed to the pressure; this year he will be a marked man after his big-money transfer to the Omega Pharma team, where the young Belgian Wout Poels could prove a useful support rider Last year's runner-up is probably the best all-rounder in the race and, at 27, it is time he made the step up from following the best to creating openings for himself. Last year he could stay in the shadows at Team Sky as Bradley Wiggins succumbed to the pressure; this year he will be a marked man after his big-money transfer to the Omega Pharma team, where the young Dutchman Wout Poels could prove a useful support rider.
Cadel Evans, 37, Australia BMCCadel Evans, 37, Australia BMC
The grandfather of the race, the 37-year-old Australian may be a little long in the tooth now but still managed to get on the podium at last year's super-hard Giro. The 2011 Tour de France winner's strong suits are experience, consistency in foul weather and the strategic awareness that won him his Tour. They may not be enough for him to win the race – but they could take him a long way towards it The grandfather of the race, the 37-year-old Australian may be a little long in the tooth now but still managed to get on the podium at last year's super-hard Giro. The 2011 Tour de France winner's strong suits are experience, consistency in foul weather and the strategic awareness that won him his Tour. They may not be enough for him to win the race – but they could take him a long way towards it.