Giro del Friuli VG 2009 Teams Announced

Thirteen team are expected to start at the 31st edition of the Giro del Friuli VG, Wednesday March 4. Organizers acknowledge that it is a large field, but also a quality one, and they are excited about bringing this race back to life.

Among the teams that have already confirmed their presence is Lampre NGC with World Champion Allesandro Ballan. Ballan has already made a strong showing early in the season with a sprint win and 5th place overall at the Trofeo Laigueglia. Ballan’s teammate Enrico Gasparotto is also expected, and his presence can be feared on technical races such as this. Another big name expected to appear is Ivan Basso with the Liquigas squad. He should be accompanied to the race by the very experienced Andrea Noe and neo-pro Gianni Da Ros.

Davide Rebelin of Diquigiovanni-Androni cannot be counted out for a podium appearance either.

Barloworld is expected to send a team captained by Colombian climber Mauricio Soler. After his strong performance in the Tour of the Mediterranean on Mont Faron, great things from him. Among the outsiders, men as Bertagnolli, Visconti and Cioni will certainly try to carve out a space in the lead.

The race is also expected to include some strong Continental teams such as Corratec and Miche-Silver Cross, allowing their young riders to compete on a large stage alongside the most famous champions.

Below is a list of teams invited:

LAMPRE – NGC (LAM)
Acqua & Sapone – Caffè Mokambo (ASA)
LIQUIGAS (LIQ)
SERRAMENTI PVC-Androni DIQUIGIOVANNI TOYS (SDA)
Ceramica Flaminia – Bossini SHOWERS (FLM)
ISD (ISD)
BARLOWORLD (BAR)
TEAM PIEMONTE (PMT)
TEAM ADRIA MOBIL
CENTRI DELLA CALZATURA (CZP)
AMORE & VITA – MCDONALD’S (AMO)
AMICA CHIPS – KNAUF (AMI)
CSF GROUP – NAVIGARE (CSF)
TEAM CORRATEC
MICHE – SILVER CROSS – SELLE ITALIA (MIE)
CARMIOORO – A STYLE (ASY)
LPR
Loborika
FUJI Servetto

Tags: Enrico Gasparotto, Ivan Basso, Mauricio Soler, Mediterranean