Predictor looks to McEwen in Giro sprints

Predictor-Lotto will be looking for Australian sprinter Robbie McEwen in the sprint finishes in the Giro d'Italia.

"In the first place, we want to win a stage," team manager Herman Frison told sporza. "Anything else is a bonus. In the first stages we will look for a mass sprint. And there we will play the McEwen card."

"With Petacchi and Hushovd, we have a few allies to hold the peloton together," he noted. "For the other stages, we have some riders who ride well in the mountains."

"There is always pressure on me, but most of it comes from me," McEwen said. "The Giro is on of my main goals. I always look forward to riding in Italy. Riding well here gives me confidence to do well in the Tour, but it's not a catastrophe if I don't win."

The Australian also commented on Ivan Basso's recent confession. "Hopefully he will set a trend. There are still those out there who must confess. We want to get this solved as quickly as possible so that we can race with clean riders."