GC Notes on the 2009 GIRO D'ITALIA

Notes on the Giro.  A number of riders have been showing their serious intentions for the Giro by previewing and practicing various stages and climbs.  

They are: Marzio Brusheghin (9th in 2005, 8th in 2007, 3rd in 2008), Lance Armstrong, Ivan Basso, Damiano Cunego, Arroyo.  

Surprisingly quiet in the news: Pellizotti.  He's showed great promise in recent years, is the right age, and has been tagged a team leader.  Has Basso's arrival relegated him again to domestique?

Then what of the new boys?  Andy Schleck (2nd in 2007, but no ride in 08), Gesink?  What about a big talent like Vladimir Karpets?  Or Linus Gerdemann?  Why waste them in the Tour de France when they have the talent to win the Giro or the Vuelta?  

Siotsov looks far from winning a grand tour (but keep yer eye on him).  Ditto for Soler. 

This should be one of the more competitive Giros in years.  Neither will a rider walk away with the Giro (a la a doped-up Basso in 2006) nor will a weak overall rider (a doped up DiLuca in 2007) win it.  Instead some strong riders should contend.  The competition is still inferior to that of the Tour de France, but so it goes.