Team Quick-Step has announced the names of the 9 riders who will take part in the 2009 Giro d’Italia.
Belgian Kevin Seeldraeyers will be taking his second start in Italy’s grand tour, and will focus on trying to win a mountain stage. Compatriots Dries Devenyns and Kevin Hulsmans are also slated to ride. Devenyns has had a solid early season, while Husmans will be competing in the Giro for the first time.
Tour veteran Addy Engels from Holland will also be joining team. This will be his seventh start in the race giving him the record for most participation’s by a Dutchman.
Quick-Step is also sending four Italians to the race: Dario Cataldo, winner of the 2006 baby Giro d’Italia who’s fresh off a good Tour de Romandie, Francesco Reda who will be riding in his first Giro d’Italia, and Mauro Facci and Davide Malacarne who, at the age of 21, will both be competing as neo-professionals.
The team will have its best chance at a stage win with Australian sprinter Allan Davis. Davis won the Tour Down Under earlier this season, and has proven he can sprint with the best after coming in fourth place in Milan-Sanremo.
“We’re coming to the Giro with a young team, ready to attack,” explained Sporting Director Luca Guercilena, who will be working along side of Davide Bramati at the Giro. “The average age of the team is 26. It’s a great group with some strong individuals like Kevin Seeldraeyers, who wore the white jersey in the 2009 Paris-Nice. Our goal is to be ready to stand out at whatever moment the race will allow us to.”