Pinot attacks Giro flanked by Swiss guard

Alghero - French rider Thibaut Pinot will launch his Giro d'Italia bid starting Friday flanked by a Swiss guard of FDJ climbing experts Steve Morabito and Sébastien Reichebach.

The 26-year-old climber who is also now the French time-trial champion competes in the Tour of Italy three years after finishing third in the Tour de France.

"After each rest day a key stage has been included. You have to know how to manage these breaks to restart at your maximum," said Morabito ahead of his sixth Giro. 

Morabito and Reichebach will support Pinot in the mountains, on whose descents the Frenchman can look more than nervous on occasion.

The French outfit will also rely on new Swedish recruit Tobias Ludvigsson in an very experienced group which includes William Bonnet, Matthieu Ladagnous, Jérémy Roy and Benoît Vaugrenard. 

FDJ team for Giro from May 5-28:

Thibaut Pinot (FRA), William Bonnet (FRA), Matthieu Ladagnous (FRA), Tobias Ludvigsson (SWE), Rudy Molard (FRA), Steve Morabito (SUI), Sébastien Reichenbach (SUI), Jérémy Roy (FRA), Benoît Vaugrenard (FRA)