Orica has high hope in flatter Giro Rosa

AUSTRALIA’S Orica-Scott women’s cycling team goes into the Giro Rosa armed with a plan for success and excellent intelligence from recent scouting missions.

Team officials said Orica would bid for the GC for the first time in the top women’s tour involving 10 days of racing in Italy, but this year lacking a major mountain stage.

Newly crowned Dutch time trial champion Annemiek van Vleuten will lead the team’s general classification hopes in the 10-day tour with Australian champion Katrin Garfoot and Tour Down Under winner Amanda Spratt.

“The women’s Giro is undoubtedly the most prestigious tour on the WorldTour calendar,” sport director Gene Bates said. “This year we have tried putting together the best team possible to target the overall classification and see how we go in that area.

“It is new territory for some of our riders as it is not something we have targeted before. It’s exciting as it will be a new challenge.”

The team has studied the race and ridden key stages to prepare for this year’s challenge.

“We have identified the critical stages, so the riders know the course and we will go in with as much information as possible,” Bates said.

The team boasts Australian Sarah Roy as its sprint prospect.

“We are all refreshed and ready for a big tour,’’ Roy said. “I am looking forward to supporting our leaders especially because I truly believe in them and our team plan.

“I’m also pleased with my current form and I’m confident it will carry on into the Giro Rosa.

“The general classification will become clearer as the tour goes on, as expected, but also because the back end of the tour is where most of the climbing will happen.

“The stages get longer, requiring the riders to back up each day while being fatigued, so that’s when things will really split up.’’