Julian Alaphilippe and Tim Merlier headline Soudal - Quick-Step's stage-hunting team at Giro d'Italia

Soudal - Quick-Step want to perform in the overall classification of the Tour de France, and will take a GC block to help Remco Evenepoel. For the Giro d'Italia, the team gives freedom to some of it's other leaders such as Tim Merlier and Julian Alaphilippe to seek their own victories.

The Belgian team has confirmed it's lineup, fully focused in the success over the sprints and hilly stages. Although Jan Hirt will most likely eye the mountain stages, and possibly aim for the GC if he finds his best legs. Nevertheless, Julian Alaphilippe and Mauri Vansevenant who showed great form over the Ardennes classics will chase stage wins in the hilly days of the race.

The team's main focus is on Tim Merlier who will be a big candidate to succeed in the sprints and possibly the points classification. The Belgian is supported by Luke Lamperti who will make his Grand Tour debut, right-hand man Bert van Lerberghe and reliable domestique Josef Cerny who is expected to spend large kilometers in the head of the peloton. If not, then that task should be in the shoulders of Pieter Serry who will play a supporting role for his leaders.

Soudal - Quick-Step for Giro d'Italia: