Giulio Ciccone prepared to turn the switch if GC bid doesn't work out: "We are talking about a top 5, otherwise it makes no sense"

The eyes of all cycling fans and experts will be on Primoz Roglic as the man-to-beat and Juan Ayuso as the Slovenian's main challenger at upcoming Giro d'Italia. But there are several other men who strive to succeed, for example home favourite Giulio Ciccone.

"From October to today, Giulio has shown himself to be very competitive in the stages and one-day races," Lidl-Trek team manager Luca Guercilena analyses for Bici.pro.

Will Ciccone eye the overall standings and focus on daily objectives like in past? "We all know that winning stages or bringing home the mountain jersey has an important value for us. It is also clear that with this route, with some good stages already at the beginning, in our heads and also in our hearts the idea of ​​being able to do something in the GC is there."

At the same time, Lidl-Trek is not really interesting in squabbles for 9th place in GC: "However, it is obvious that we are talking about a top 5 ranking, otherwise it makes no sense. The stages are much more important and given how Giulio is doing, given his condition, in my opinion it is fundamental that he looks at those first."

The approach towards 2025 Giro was way smoother than last year when Ciccone ultimately skipped the Corsa Rosa altogether. "Unfortunately he has had some rather serious injuries and illnesses, which have always undermined the preparation for the Grand Tours. This year, however, Giulio has managed to make a very linear approach and certainly has significant personal stability."

"This is why he has managed to reach the goals we had set ourselves. It is clear that the Giro is a whole other story. Since last October he has given a certain solidity to all the performances, so we know that we have arrived at the Giro in the right condition. Having said that, we will take it stage by stage."

Ciccone already turned up at Liege-Bastogne-Liege with great shape, securing a spot on podium for himself. Didn't he arrive at his peak three weeks too early? "I will tell you, if we make a careful evaluation of the performance, Giulio at the Tour of the Alps did well, but it was clear that he was not in 100 percent condition. In Liège he took another step. We are convinced that at the Giro he can maintain his condition, because he is following a very targeted approach."