This year's Giro d'Italia winner Denis Menchov said he would like to ride the race again in 2010. But at the route presentation in Milan yesterday, the Russian wouldn't commit to defending the Maglia Rosa saying, "I see the Giro primarily as preparation for the Tour de France. If you're in really good shape and things go well then you have a chance for the podium."
Rabobank's Technical Director Erik Breukink admits the Giro will be important for his main sponsor, but stops short of saying he will bring the defending champion to the race.
"Of course the Giro next year is more important with the launch in Amsterdam," said Breukink.
"But we look first at the composition and preparation for our Tour [de France] team before we start the Giro selection."
Having won the Vuelta a España twice and the Giro this year, Menchov is only missing a Tour de France overall win to put him on an elite list of riders - that includes defending Tour de France champion Alberto Contador - who have taken overall victory in each of the three Grand Tours.
"The Giro d'Italia is a beautiful classic. The start is for the sprinters, but in the second half there are many beautiful mountains . The course is good for me, so I think I will start. Especially the last week, with the Kronplatz, Gavia and Mortirolo, appeal to me." added Menchov.
Whether the Russian can take advantage of the war between Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong in the Grand Boucle remains to be seen, but for him to wear yellow on the final day in Paris he will have to ride a perfect race. Second place finisher Andy Schleck will also look to capitalize on the polemics in the race, and will likely enter the race as a favorite for overall victory.