The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Giro del Capo has been bolstered with the presence of the world famous Mapei-Quickstep team, which might also see Robert Hunter make an appearance in the Cape Town basd tour.
After announcing the Giro as part of their programme at the Mapei launch last week tour director Tony Roberts confirmed on Thursday that the boys from Italy are sending a young outfit with GS 3 status to take part in the Giro.
Hunter’s presence depends on the fate of Paris-Nice, which usually takes place over the same time. Paris-Nice is in the balance due to sponsorship difficulty and if the event doesn’t go ahead Hunter is set to return to his home soil with Mapei’s young Turks.
“We can’t make any announcements yet, but we’re certainly holding thumbs,” said Roberts. “If Hunter can take part it will be the best news I have received in all my eleven years of the Giro,” he proclaimed.
The top three finishers in last year’s Giro have all confirmed their presence in the 5stage event that culminates in the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour on 10 March.
Overall winner, Piotr Chmeliewski, again leads the Polish Mroz charge while Lubor Tesar, who finished third last year, returns as part of German outfit Nurnberger. Last year he was most impressive in the stage finishes as part of Wustenrot and also claimed the sprinter’s jersey.
Overall runner-up Nicholas White from HSBC has also confirmed that he will take it to the international contingent again this year. White won the final stage time trial last year on Signal Hill and he was only seconds behind Chmeliewski in general classification.
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Taken from Supercycling/Cyclelab website
