Hushovd wants to leave Sardegna with a win

The Giro marks Thor Hushovd's big return to competition after an unsuccessful campaign at the classic due a stomach virus prior to Milan-San Remo. He hasn't raced since Paris-Roubaix, but he looks quite fit after training hard in Norway.

"I'm happy with my condition now, but I might need some racing in my legs before I can try and win a bunch sprint at the Giro," he said on the Garibaldi aircraft carrier where the Norwegian press was present to hear him.

"I hope it'll not take too long before I win a sprint though. I'd like to do it before we leave Sardegna."

The race stays on the island for three days, including an opening team time trial, but on Sunday and Monday, Hushovd, who is making his debut at the Tour of Italy, will be seen as a challenger for favourites Alessandro Petacchi and Robbie McEwen.