I was confirming rental car reservations for the Cycling House’s Tuscany Camp and I couldn’t help but talk Giro with the secretary.  

Before we dig into the riders, let’s take a look at where we can watch the drama unfold.  My preference is to pay $19.99 and get the Universal Sports online package.  You can watch the stages on demand.  Steve Schlanger and Todd Gogulski are no Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwin, but they do a solid job and Todd’s excited voice makes you spill your 6am coffee.  Direct TV has Universal Sports as a channel option.  If might be worth upgrading to get Universal as they are showing cycling weekly for the Olympic build up.  Then of course the cycling fans roulette with www.cyclingfans.com.

Who??

Sergio Henao Montoya – US fans have to remember this guy dancing on the pedals at last year’s Tour of Utah and Pro Cycling Challenge.  At the Tour of Utah he pushed Levi Leipheimer.  Now with power house Team Sky, don’t be surprised to see him take a stage in the mountains.

No Clear Favorite

Ivan Basso, Michele Scarponi, Joaquim Rodriguez, and Roman Kreuziger are the favorites on paper, but this comes down to experience vs fitness.  Basso and Scarponi have proven their metal at this race, but Rodriguez and Kreuziger have been going far better with excellent performances at the Ardennes Classics.  My favorite? Roman Kreuziger.

GC Sleeper

Mikel Nieve from Euskaltel.  He won the epic marathon stage 15 last year with a 50km solo move.  Think of him as a new age Carlos Sastre.  Not an explosive climber, but later in the race he stays the same while others fatigue.

Little Prince

My favorite Italian rider, Damian Cunego.  He’s passed the GC leadership to Michele Scarponi.  This should be exciting news for cycling fans.  It means your going to see the aggressive Giro Lombardia style Cunego.  Fireworks!

Sprinters

Perhaps the most interesting battle is Tyler Farrar v Mark Cavendish v Matt Goss.  Cavendish says Goss is the only man he truly fears in a sprint.