Cunego targets Giro

After a 2005 season marred by slow recovery from mononucleosis and only partially salvaged by his victory in the Japan Cup two weeks ago, Lampre-Caffita leader Damiano Cunego is targeting the Giro d'Italia in 2006, in the hope of repeating the 2004 victory that shot the then 21-year-old to stardom.

Cunego's team manager, Giuseppe Martinelli told L'Equipe, "In a race that you have to say is mountainous, Cunego will aim to win."

Cunego will also ride the 2006 Tour de France, after missing the 2005 edition because of his illness. "The Tour will be equally in Cunego's program after this year's forced absence," said Martinelli. It's also mountainous and it will be good experience in a race that will be dominated by the duel between Basso and Ullrich."