Giro Rosa, June 30July 9, Italy

Still the most prestigious race and only ‘Grand Tour’ on the Women’s Worldtour calendar, the Giro Rosa begins near Venice tomorrow (Friday June 30.) The 10-day, 1,010.6km event opens with a team time trial before heading southwest, finishing near Naples on July 9.

Unlike recent editions, the course is uncharacteristically light on climbing, with none of Italy’s most famous ascents present. However, the toughest days come towards the end of the race, with stages seven and eight particularly challenging.

The stage five individual time trial is likely to influence the general classification greatly. While only 12.7km, it finishes on the 20 per cent Via dei Cocciari, which featured on the 2013 Tirreno-adriatico.

Ones to watch

Megan Guarnier (Boels-dolmans)

An injury-blighted spring means Guarnier is yet to display the form which brought her Giro victory last year. Not as accomplished against the clock as van der Breggen, she could play second fiddle.

Anna van der Breggen (Boels-dolmans)

A great time triallist and climber whose stunning spring form puts her in pole position to take a second Giro crown after her 2015 victory.

Elisa Longo-borghini (Wiggle-high5)

Arguably the best Italian in the peloton. An aggressive climber, her abilities against the clock could see her become the first Italian to win the general classification since 2008.

Kasia Niewiadoma (WM3 Energie)

Unlikely to be allowed the freedom which brought the young Pole victory in the Ovo Women’s Tour, she will be up there, though her team lacks strength.

Annemiek van Vleuten (Orica-scott)

Not a pure climber, she can hang on uphill but her strength against the clock is where the Dutchwoman could find overall success.

Ashleigh Moolman-pasio (Cervélo-bigla)

The South African has talked her chances down, but she has all the attributes for success here, though could be hampered by a young inexperienced team.