'Looking for opportunities' – Liv-AlUla-Jayco head to Giro d’Italia Women with balanced lineup and Italian leader

Australian Women’s WorldTour team Liv-AlUla-Jayco is set to compete at the Giro d’Italia Women with a balanced squad aiming for stage victories and a strong General Classification (GC) performance. The team’s Italian climber Monica Trinca Colonel, a rising talent who turned professional this year, will lead the charge. The nine-stage race, starting on May 30th, features a challenging route with a mix of sprint finishes, mountainous terrain including the iconic Colle delle Finestre, and a mountain time trial to Nevegal, offering multiple opportunities for different types of riders. Trinca Colonel, who impressed with a seventh-place finish at La Vuelta Feminina and a podium at the UAE Tour earlier this year, is targeting an improved showing after a difficult Giro last season. She expressed enthusiasm for the course, particularly the Colle delle Finestre climb, which she has long aspired to conquer in a Grand Tour setting. Her progress in form has boosted her confidence, and she is optimistic about delivering strong results for the team. The squad also includes sprinter Georgia Baker, who will be crucial in contesting the expected bunch sprints against top rivals like Lorena Wiebes of SD Worx-ProTime. Support riders such as Silke Smulders, returning from a serious injury, and Canadian Nadia Gontova, fresh off a notable breakaway, add depth and versatility to the team. The inclusion of these riders reflects Liv-AlUla-Jayco’s strategy to be competitive across various race scenarios, from sprints to mountain stages. Sport director Shawn Clarke highlighted the race’s key GC days, including the mountain time trial and the decisive climbs through Cortina and into Sestriere, describing them as epic challenges that will shape the overall standings. He also noted the unpredictable nature of the Giro, emphasising the team’s readiness to adapt and seize opportunities whether the race unfolds as expected or takes an unexpected turn. With riders arriving in good form, Liv-AlUla-Jayco is poised to make an impact and pursue notable results throughout the event.