Garzelli and other favourites ready for Tirreno

Stefano Garzelli and the Acqua & Sapone-Caffè Mokambo squad will be looking to Tirreno-Adriatico to provide the team's first win of the season when they line up in Cecina today. The Italian outfit takes a dual attack into the race, with seasoned general classification contender Stefano Garzelli looking to perform overall, while wily sprinter Luca Paolini will chase victory in any sprint finishes.

"I am satisfied with my condition I feel good," said Garzelli. "There are many good riders in Tirreno-Adriatico looking for the win and I am confident in my ability to measure up to them." With a 30-kilometre time trial in Macerata to contend with, Garzelli will quickly discover if he has the early-season form to carry into the Classics and beyond.