Mikel Landa will ride the Giro d'Italia, spearheading the Soudal-QuickStep assault on the general classification in the absence of Remco Evenepoel, who has been ruled out of a possible start due to injury.
While it was never confirmed Evenepoel would ride, and the Tour de France was his main goal even before his training ride crash last month, Landa is now confirmed for the Italian Grand Tour as team leader.
He will go into the race as one of the general classification favourites after finishing 8th in the Vuelta and 5th in the Tour last year, both while working for Evenepoel, and also finishing 3rd in the Giro twice; in 2022 and 2015
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“I am very happy that I will race the Giro, which holds a special place in my heart. It’s the race that helped me make a name as a rider," said Landa in a team statement confirming he would ride the race this year.
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"Back in 2015 I won two stages there and finished third on the standings, and that stage I won over Mortirolo with the finish in Aprica is to this day one of my best memories. It’s going to be a challenge, because there will be many good riders at the start.
"But I will do my best to fight for a stage win and a good result in the general classification. I look forward to the month of May and to meeting again the incredible Italian fans who make the Giro one of the best races in the world."
Landa will get his season underway, his 15th as a professional rider, in March when he takes on Strade Bianche.
