Seven riders who made their name at the 2015 Giro d'Italia

Jan Polanc on the Giro d'Italia podium (Yuzuru Sunada)

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Alberto Contador is already a household name in cycling circles, winning his seventh Grand Tour to further enhance his credentials as one of the best stage race riders ever.

Behind the Spaniard, though, were a host of riders for whom their performances in Italy over the last three weeks could go a long way in shaping their careers.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.