The stage could again come down to a battle between Omega Pharma-Quikstep and Orica Greenedge teams, who have been strongest in the discipline in recent years.
Greenedge took the 2012 Tour stage, beating Omega Pharma by just 1 second, while the Belgian team had their payback this year, winning the opening stage of Tirreno-Adriatico. They benefited however from having Tony Martin in their lineup, something they won’t have at the Giro.
Movistar also showed well at Tirreno and they will do all they can do keep race favourite Nairo Quintana close to the top of the standings.
Big rides will also be expected of BMC, with Cadel Evans on board, and Garmin, who were kings of the discipline a couple of years ago.
Giro 2014 Stage 1: Images and more!
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