The Orica-Scott team have opted for a two-pronged strategy for the Giro d'Italia, with Adam Yates targeting the general classification and Caleb Ewan taking aim at the many sprint stages in the first two weeks of the 100th edition of the Corsa Rosa.
Yates is only 24 and Ewan is just 22 but both have already proven their ability at WorldTour level and Orica-Scott have selected riders of experience to back them. Completing the Orica-Scott line-up for the Giro d'Italia are Alexander Edmondson, Michael Hepburn, Chris Juul-Jensen, Luka Mezgec, Ruben Plaza, Svein Tuft and Carlos Verona.
Both Adam and Simon Yates were scheduled to ride the Giro d'Italia but Esteban Chaves' knee problem and delayed start to the season have lead to a change in strategy, with Simon now focused on the Tour de France alongside the Colombian.
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Adam won the Tour de France's best young rider white jersey and fought hard to finish fourth overall. Those skills will serve him well in this year's Giro d'Italia as he fights for the pink jersey and also the best young rider's classification.
The 22-year-old Ewan confirmed his WorldTour and Grand Tour sprints credentials in 2016 and went close to taking a stage at the Giro d'Italia. He stuttered on his return to Europe in March following his hugely successful Australia summer but two second places at the Tour de Yorkshire indicated he is ready for the Giro d'Italia, where his biggest rivals for the pure power sprints will be Andre Greipel (Lotto Soudal), Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors) and Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe).
"We will mix our focus between Adam in the mountains and Caleb on the flat stages," Orica-Scott directeur sportif Matt White said in a statement confirming the nine riders who will travel to Sardinia on Tuesday.
Underdog status
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