"Sometimes the best sprinters start their stories in the lead-out" - Luke Lamperti readies for the hardest test of his abilities so far at Giro d'Italia

Luke Lamperti made an impressive entrance to the world of professional cycling and as a reward, but also a test of his abilities, the 20-year-old American is now preparing to make a Grand tour debut next Saturday at Giro d'Italia. Soudal - Quick-Step boss Patrick is naturally looking forward to seeing how the youngster fares in a three-week-long competition against world's best cyclists.

"I’m very curious to see Luke Lamperti in the Giro d’Italia. It took a long time to find an American who fits in our team and I think he’s the type of rider who can fit with us. He’s also a rider who is also for the Classics in the future," Lefevere told GCN.

"We all know that he’s a sprinter, and Tim Merlier is there but maybe some stages are too hard for Tim and he can do his own things," Lefevere said. "Then he’s also in the lead-out for Tim with Bert Van Lerberghe, and he will learn a lot. Sometimes the best sprinters start their stories in the lead-out."

We all remember the story of another youngster signed by Lefevere -Remco Evenepoel, however Lefevere is willing to show patience with other riders too. "We have to give chances to the young kids. We don’t have to push them too much. If you speak about Paul Magnier, he’s 20, and William Junior Lecerf is 21. Not everyone is a super talent like Remco is, and sometimes they need some time. They’ll get it."