French outfit AG2R have a strong Italian core, containing Pozzovivo, Appollonio and Nocentini, the latter of which is a surprise non-inclusion. Leadership will probably be decided between Gadret and Betancur likely to get the nod.

GC

As mentioned Betancur will probably lead the line for AG2R, and if the bigger mountain stages aren't extremely selective, then he will definitely be in there for a 10. If they are selective, Gadret probably has a better chance, but shouldn't be able to get much of a result.

Sprints

With most big sprinters skipping the Giro, it may finally be a chance for Appollonio to impress in his home Grand Tour. The actual jersey is all but out of the question, with Cavendish here, but Appollonio will be looking to impress with podium finishes and maybe even a stage win.

Other

Carlos Betancur will definitely look for a good result in the Youth Jersey, and it will be an interesting battle betweem him and Rafal Majka for 2nd behund probably Quintana. Otherwise, Pozzovivo or maybe even a Frenchman could grab the Mountains Jersey with a very good potential for that sort of fight.

The first wildcard team to be previewed, the Italian outfit must not be looking for a great result in the GC. However, they have a bunch of riders capable of showing what they can do, especially Pellizotti, who has a chance of a nice result.

Points

Calzone may have a chance in the sprint competition, but doesn't have the support needed to overcome some of the top sprinters here.

Other

If Androni go in breaks with 1 man, then he could very well win the KoM jersey, with the Italian Continental outfit hoping to be seen in this Giro.

Never a team for climbing, they have made a few additions to their squad which can give some good results. With Burton and Geschke here, they can compete for stage wins but they shouldn't get a good GC result.

Ever the sprint team, Argos have Mezgec here and with the lack of stars here he could certainly achieve results.

With maybe not much to fight for, we could see Argos go for the KoM classification, with a lot of inconspicuous domestiques.

With one of the main 2 GC contenders as well as home favourite Vincenzo Nibali here, Astana should be looking for the overall win with youngster Fabio Aru there to support Nibali the whole way through.

The duo of Guardini & Gavazzi, although certainly not the best sprinters, should be able to get some nice consistent results. A few top 5's are definitely on the cards and maybe a stage win if they get lucky.



Aru will be looking for a good young riders result, but his main objective will be helping Nibali. With an almost completely Italian squad, Astana should feature in the breakaway and in the fight for the KoM jersey.

The duo of Gesink and Kelderman should be good for a Top 5 finish in the GC, if not even a podium. The latter will almost definitely lead, and if Gesink stays out of trouble he will have probably the best lieutenant in the race.



Not the team's strong point, youngster Moreno Hofland will look to get noticed and possibly deliver the odd Top 5.



With Lars Petter Nordhaug here as well as Belkin's 2 main climbers, they seem like the favourites to win the Teams' Classification, while Kelderman will be looking for a very good result in the Young Riders'.