McEwen optimistic

By Shane Stokes in Palermo

Robbie McEwen has had a fine run of success in recent Giri d'Italia, taking three wins in both 2005 and 2006. However last year saw his tally drop somewhat, with the Australian having to be satisfied with just one win in the race and also the same in the Tour de France.

The Silence Lotto rider is now 35 years of age. Some will argue that time is catching up with him, but McEwen will head into the Giro convinced that he is sprinting as well as ever. His stage victory in the recent Tour de Romandie will certainly have helped his morale.

"I want to win a stage," he told Cyclingnews, when asked about his aims for the Giro. "Like always, when I come here I want to take at least one. And if I can do that, then I will try to win another one. The form is good."