Franco Pellizotti (Androni) and his all-black Bianchi Sempre Pro(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Franco Pellizotti waiting for UCI inspectors to check his equipment for the stage(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Pellizotti jumps aboard his Androni Giocatolli team bike(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
The Androni Giocatolli team in full attire ahead of 2013 season(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Mattia Gavazzi (Androni Giocattoli) is making his return to the ranks this year(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Gavazzi is still a little stiff after spending two years away from the sport following a cocaine positive(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Fabio Felline is one of the team's fast men(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Francesco Reda is off for a walk with his Bianchi Sempre Pro(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Emanuele Sella (Androni Giocattoli) will play a support role for Pellizotti in the mountains of the Giro(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Diego Rosa (Androni Giocattoli)(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Felline was more than comfortable in front of the camera(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Androni Giocattoli - Venezuela squash-in to get the team shot done(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Time to get into something more comfortable for the riders of the Androni Giocatolli squad(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Riccardo Chiarini (Androni Giocattoli) throws a leg over his machine(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Francesco Reda (Androni Giocattoli)(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Current Italian road champion Franco Pellizotti will lead the Androni Giocatolli - Venezuela squad this year as he embarks on his first full season since returning from a two-year suspension for abnormalities in his blood passport. The team has been rebuilt for 2013 with an emphasis on an assault at the Giro d'Italia.
Team owner Gianni Savio enlisted the services of the former Giro d'Italia stage and 2009 Tour de France KOM classification winner Pellizotti immediately after the Italian was cleared to race mid last year. It will be Pellizotti's first participation at a grand tour since 2009 when he lines up for this year's Giro.
Continuing with the squad for the third season is Emanuele Sella. The rider who tested positive for CERA at the 2008 Giro and was given an opportunity by Savio to return to the top level will likely form part of the support squad for the three week race.
Other notable riders on the roster include Mattia Gavazzi, who took the team's first win of the New Year on Stage 7 at the Tour de San Luis. Gavazzi is clearly making a strong return to competition after more than two years out of the sport following a cocaine positive control at the Settimana Lombarda on March 31, 2010.
The following gallery showcases the eclectic mix of riders put together by Savio for the coming season. The team is sponsored by Bianchi bicycles and will be using the Sempre Pro frameset while the majority of Vancansoleil-DCM riders are equipped with the Oltre XR.
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