Cipollini to kick off prologue

The recently retired Mario Cipollini will add his usual colour to the prologue of the Giro d'Italia, as he has accepted an invitation by the organisers to ride it, five minutes before the first rider officially sets off at 18:45. Cipollini has 42 Giro stage wins to his credit - an all-time record - but is not expected to upstage the rest of the field too much.

"I was happy to accept the invitation from the Giro organisers, it's a very nice way of saying goodbye to everyone," said Cipollini.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1