Pello Bilbao backs the decision to choose Antonio Tiberi as Bahrain's leader for the Giro: "He is the one who offers the most guarantees"

Pello Bilbao has finished in the top-5 of Giro d'Italia twice in his career, but this year he doesn't aim to repeat such feat. Instead, he'll take on the mission of supporting younger teammate Antonio Tiberi on his quest for a podium result.

"We know that Antonio did a great job last year and that being Italian he naturally gives priority to the Giro," Bilbao explains the team's decision on leadership to Bici.pro. "I personally also really like this race, among the Grand Tours it is the one where I feel best. Caruso can confirm this! We are lucky to be a good group and all motivated. Come on, I think we can really aim for the podium."

"The leader is without a doubt Antonio. For me he is the one who offers the most guarantees. He lacks a bit of experience, but with Caruso and me next to him we can give him a hand in this sense. He is very strong on climbs and in time trials. Which is the terrain where Damiano or I can make mistakes, but he can make the difference."

Tiberi was forced to abandon the Tour of the Alps with a mild illness. Will he be ready to carry all the hopes of Bahrain - Victorious on his shoulders?

"I have no precise idea, but I am not worried," Bilbao replies. "He has done specific preparation to reach the top at the Giro. Yes, he had a health problem during that period, which took away the possibility of testing himself against direct opponents, but the work done so far has been excellent. At Tirreno he showed he is in great condition. We have 100 percent confidence in him."

Bilbao has already done 29 racing days this season and without a specific preparation towards the Giro, he doesn't plan to appear in the general classification. Instead, he'd like to win a stage while supporting Tiberi throughout the race. Is there any particular stage he finds interesting?

"There are several, even if the route doesn't have the classic monster stage. There are many mixed, nervous stages, the kind that break your legs. Those will be my opportunities. I like the stages where you can anticipate or make the difference with an action in the final. I've already marked a few..."