Vincenzo Nibali (Trek-Segafredo) has picked his main rival for the Giro d'Italia. A veteran Grand Tour leader, Nibali is building his season around the Giro d'Italia in hopes of surpassing his second place overall finish last year, and the 35-year-old recently returned from a high-altitude training camp where he highlighted his main threats in the challenge to Maria Rosa.

The Italian also singled out race debutant Lemko Evenpoel, a 20-year-old Detunink-Quickstep who has taken the sport by storm since his junior days and has transitioned to the World Tour in early 2019.

"Expect tough showdowns with contenders like Richard Kalapas, Jakob Fuglsang, and Simon Yates," Nibali said on the team website.

"And one who could be a big surprise, Evenpoel," Nibali added.

"He's strong and has a unique approach to cycling. I like him. We won't know how well he can perform in the three weeks of the Grand Tour until he actually rides."

"It's good not to underestimate outsiders besides Lemko," he said, perhaps remembering that when the then-Movistar rider attacked in the mountains, Carapas took the win 12 months after the pre-race favorites were watching each other!

"The history of the Giro tells us that every year someone surprises us. Last but not least, I would like to dedicate my thoughts to my friend and colleague Peter Sagan. I am delighted that he will be taking part in the race. He will make this Giro even more special, as he has already demonstrated another great talent: acting in front of the camera."

The rescheduled Giro d'Italia will begin with four stages in Nibali's native Sicily, starting with a 16km individual time trial on Saturday, October 3. The route is suitable for Trek riders, and the final week will likely determine the race's outcome. Nibali, who usually gets better as the race approaches the final mountain stages, will be able to use all of his experience and improve over the next three weeks once the race resumes.

"The warmth of my hometown will provide beautiful and inspiring conditions. The time trial and our arrival in Etna two days later should prepare us from the start." I think the third week will be decisive: the TT specialists have an advantage in the opening stages, but after two weeks, everyone's fitness and mental strength will change."

Nibali and the core of the Giro d'Italia climbing unit recently spent 15 days training in the Dolomites in preparation for their return to racing. While the main purpose of this training camp was to gain mileage, Nibali and his teammates also used this period to mentally prepare themselves for the extreme demands that the frenetic nature of the season will place upon them once it returns. Nibali will not leave Italy during the race program unless he is selected for the World Championships in Switzerland.

"Building success begins with the foundation of a team. During the training camp, I felt a strong desire from everyone around me to race, perform, and achieve good results. Just as I had felt for months not knowing if or how the season would start again. Trek Segafredo has shown exceptional team spirit. The entire group, not only among the players but also the management and staff, kept in constant contact with each other. Now we feel we have the advantage of working together, shoulder to shoulder," the Trek leader said.

"Despite the lack of racing and the need to improve teamwork, there was strong harmony and commitment. We trained in Teide with Giulio Ciccone, Gianluca Brambilla, and Antonio Nibali, and in the Dolomites we were joined by Nicola Consi, Jacopo Mosca, and Pieter Weening. I have developed a great feeling with Julio in particular. He is strong, full of energy, and has insane determination. He is young but a true team player. We are all happy with what we have done and now look forward to testing ourselves in the race"