Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux will compete in the Giro d’Italia (2.UWT) for the first time ever, beginning from Saturday May 8th and until Sunday May 30th. The 2021 edition of the Corsa Rosa will start from the Piazza Castello in Turin, and after twenty-one stages will reach the Piazza del Duomo in Milan, host of this year’s closing ceremonies.
The only two time trials of the 104th edition will be contested in the first and last stages, both individual time trials. The first of the seven summit finishes is scheduled on stage 6, with a finale atop San Giacomo (Ascoli). After the first rest day, a special stage 11 features gravel roads between Perugia and Montalcino, made famous by the Strade Bianche, which the organisation called ‘The Wine Stage’. The mythical Monte Zoncolan will welcome the peloton on stage 14, followed two days later by the Queen stage of this year’s parcours. Over 5,700 meters of elevation, climbing the famous Passo Fedaia, Passo Pordoi and Passo Giau. Of the last five stages after the second rest day, three are devoted to summit finishes in alpine territory, including the Sega di Ala for the first time ever.
For the first Giro in its history, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux will line-up with the Belgian Quinten Hermans, 14th in the Flèche wallonne and revelation of the start of the season. The Czech Jan Hirt (12th in 2017), will be one of the most experienced figures of the group, along with the Italian Simone Petilli (recently 18th in the Tour de Romandie) and the Estonian Rein Taaramäe (stage winner in 2016). Fast men Riccardo Minali and Andrea Pasqualon will both make their debut on their home race. Dutchman Taco van der Hoorn, who stood out this season for his long breakaways, as well as compatriot Wesley Kreder will take part in a three-week race for the first time in their careers. These eight riders will be led by sports directors Valerio Piva and Steven De Neef.
