Barloworld focused on Giro time trial

Team Barloworld has its sights firmly set on the Giro d'Italia's stage 12 time trial. Both Mauricio Soler and Chris Froome have been completing reconnaissance of the route, which they believe is nothing like the time trials they are used to.

"It's a tough time trial," admitted Soler. "The road climbs right from the start and there aren't many moments where you can recover."

Barloworld staff also followed Soler and Froome over the route on Monday, recording the entire 61.7km course from Sestri Levante to Riomaggiore with a mounted video camera. The team will study the footage over the coming days in order to prepare for the race.

"Rather than a time trial, it's like a stage," said Froome. "It'll be very important to judge your effort right from the start and eat and drink enough."

Both riders paid particular attention to the descents of the Passo del Bracco and the Passo del Termine. Both are very technical, with many sharp and narrow corners.

"The riders should consider the stage more like a long breakaway rather than a time trial," said sport director Alberto Volpi. "They're going to have to stay focused and judge their effort very carefully."

See Cyclingnews' in-depth analysis of this year's Giro d'Italia route.