"We don't know if he can win a Grand Tour, but we're pushing him to go for a good result" - Michael Storer tipped for Giro d'Italia success by Tudor

Whilst most of the pre-Giro d'Italia talk surrounds the likes of Juan Ayuso, Primoz Roglic and Adam Yates, Tudor Pro Cycling Team's general classification hopeful Michael Storer is being allowed to fly slightly under the radar, despite his sparking performances en route to winning the recent Tour of the Alps. For Tudor though, there is strong belief within the team that their Aussie leader can do well over the coming weeks.

"You have to be consistent in a race like the Giro, and he's been able to work really well over the past few months. Michael always had the potential, even if it didn't always show in the results," explains Tudor Pro Cycling Team's coach Sebastian Deckert in conversation with IDL Pro Cycling. "We haven't done anything very different from other years, and it's not like this is our first time taking him to a grand tour. We think he can still improve ahead of the Giro. When he won two stages in the Vuelta in the past, he was also better than when he won the Tour de l'Ain the year before."

And Deckert also isn't too concerned that Storer may have peaked too early with his success in the Alps. "It's better to be good and work from there than the other way around," he smiles. "And in the Giro, we'll also be up against some powerful competitors, but we can only influence what we do ourselves. So we don't know what result to expect; we'll fight every day and see what happens." 

"We think he can be a strong GC rider. We don't know if he can win a Grand Tour, but we're pushing him to go for a good result," adds sports director Claudio Cozzi. "We also try to push him forward in his role as leader, with the help of his teammates."

Whilst Storer is more of a quiet leader, Cozzi believes the recent rising of the confidence levels are bringing the Australian out of his shell. "Michael is very motivated and has already changed a lot. Matteo Tosatto talks to him often, and we always want him to try and take risks. If others are better, that's fine. If it means he can win, we're happy," he says. "In terms of mindset, we must keep pushing him to be competitive. Michael also believes in his teammates, which is important regarding crucial points in the race. Last year, he often had to do it alone, but now we've surrounded him with riders who can help him and enable him to perform at 100%."

"There isn't just one type of leader; every leader has a different personality. Everyone needs to feel supported, and if you can be yourself and don't have to change for anyone, that's the best thing, and you feel good," Deckert adds in conclusion. "If you have to pretend to be someone else, it just takes energy. Being yourself gives you confidence. And when you have confidence, you dare to say things. That makes every race better."