Luka Mezgec to lead Giant-Alpecin at Giro d'Italia

Luka Mezgec will lead Giant-Alpecin's quest for stage wins at the Giro d'Italia, with the Slovenian sprinter looking to repeat his 2014 success at the race.

The 26-year-old helped Marcel Kittel to two stage wins in Italy last year, but when the German withdrew before stage four Mezgec took over the sprinting duties.

And as the latest fast-man off the Giant-Alpecin production line, Mezgec shot to victory in the final stage into Trieste, with three other top-10 finishes in the race.

>>> Giro d’Italia 2015 start list

"I am in very good form at the moment," Mezgec said. "Over the last four weeks I have trained very hard, and in the Tour de Romandie I will get the chance to gain racing rhythm.

"We are heading to the Giro with a strong and balanced team that will aim at sprint success, and I am happy to have great team support for that."

Mezgec will be led out by Nikias Arndt, Bert De Backer and Tom Veelers in the sprints, while Simon Geschke, Caleb Fairly and Tobias Ludvigsson could challenge on the lumpier stages.

Chinese interest in the Giro returns in the shape of Cheng Ji, who last competed at the Italian Grand Tour in 2013.

Giant-Alpecin for the 2015 Giro d'Italia: Nikias Arndt (Ger), Bert De Backer (Bel), Caleb Fairly (USA), Simon Geschke (Ger), Chad Haga (USA), Cheng Ji (Chn), Tobias Ludvigsson (Swe), Luka Mezgec (Slo) and Tom Veelers (Ned)