The Giro d'Italia, which will start tomorrow with the 160 km Durazzo-Tirana stage, saw seven top riders speak at a press conference today. Here are their statements on the eve of the opening stage.

Primož Roglič: "The Red Bull kilometer is a nice surprise, I hope it's fun and brings action, but I also hope I won't have to sprint there! It's interesting to race against my former teammate Wout Van Aert. For me, he's more than just a rider. He will certainly have his opportunities in this Giro".

Wout Van Aert: "We tried the finale of the first stage in Tirana. It was useful to see the climb: it seemed quite tough, with a steep initial ramp and then a long descent to the finish. I see a good opportunity for attackers to make it to the end. We have a very strong team, with riders suited to all types of terrain, there will be opportunities every day. My preparation hasn't been ideal, but here in Albania I'm curious to discover new cultures and new roads".

Juan Ayuso: "Racing here is different from the Volta Catalunya. The Giro is tougher and longer. I have to be careful every day. Already tomorrow we have an important stage, where you can lose more than you can gain. I hope the time trial on Saturday goes in my favor. At the Vuelta in 2022 and 2023, age could have been a factor, but now, at my fourth Grand Tour, if I were to collapse in the last week, it won't be because of age".

Egan Bernal: "I'm still fighting with myself to win another Grand Tour. I don't know if I'm still able to do it or not, but it's my goal. I know for sure that today I enjoy cycling more than when I was winning. With the team's support, I've had a really excellent preparation in the last two weeks. The new design of my national champion jersey recalls the Café de Colombia team from the '80s and '90s. It was that jersey that inspired me to become a cyclist, and now I'm trying to do the same for the next generation".

Thomas Pidcock: "I want to enjoy this Giro and try every day. Opportunities will come if I have this attitude. After the Ardennes Classics, I'm in good form. I can't wait to tackle my first Giro. I have a good relationship with Italy, ever since I won the Giro Next Gen. This year I'm doing races I've dreamed of for a long time, and I'm excited to finally have this opportunity".

Giulio Ciccone: "Certainly tomorrow will be a nervous day. We have a strong team and we'll race for Mads [Pedersen]. But we're not the only ones with ambitions, it will be a fast and intense stage. We must be ready on the climb".

Richard Carapaz: "When we race on Italian soil, we'll face roads I know well, but in Albania everything will be new to me, I still have to discover this environment. Every stage will be important. The finale of the ninth stage in Siena, with the gravel roads we know from Strade Bianche, is one that can create gaps between the general classification riders".