For Jasper Stuyven this Giro d'Italia will be a bit of a trial by fire, as the experienced Belgian makes a racing return from injuries suffered at Dwars door Vlaanderen. The 32-year-old knows well that with very limited preparation, it's better to speak of wishes rather ambitons for next three weeks.
"It was a huge challenge to get to the start," Stuyven told Sporza. "I toiled a lot on the rollers, underwent a lot of medical tests and also had a lot of physiotherapy. I've only been training on the road for a few more days."
"I may have done everything I could to be ready, but I know that I will also be at the start with some sporting doubts. Hopefully I can take a few more steps throughout the race."
"I especially hope to regain the good feeling I had before my crash," Stuyven was cautious about his ambitions. "I also want to take it day by day. If I hadn't fallen and suffered setbacks, I would be talking about objectives right now. In the first week I especially hope to be able to contribute in the sprint train for Jonathan Milan. Whether there might be a stage for me somewhere, we have to sit together as a team and think about that."