Giro d'Italia "definitely an option" says Mathieu van der Poel

Mathieu van der Poel will be testing his form this week at the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali ahead of the rest of the cobbled classics, and he has in an interview revealed that the Giro d'Italia is within his sights, and that he may be making his debut in the Italian Grand Tour this year.

The Giro is definitely an option. It's not 100 percent sure yet, but the combination of Giro and Tour is definitely in my head. The first week is very attractive. Also a chance at the pink jersey. That's the main reason," van der Poel said ahead of the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali where he is starting today. After a late start to the season in Italy, van der Poel seems to be keen on adding more racing in the country in the coming months.

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"I actually wanted to finish the Tour last year. I have indicated to the team that I will not dismount again after ten days. I intend to finish both the Giro and the Tour this year," he concluded.

For now van der Poel is focusing on the cobbled classics, with the Tour des Flandres and Paris-Roubaix as the main goal for the spring. He has returned to competition only this weekend at Milano-Sanremo, but very quickly cleared doubts regarding his form as he stormed to a third place in the race.

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Final startlist Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali with van der Poel, Froome, Hirschi, Bettiol, Nibali and Thomas