Sastre targets Giro as first 2009 goal

Carlos Sastre, winner of the Tour de France, confirmed earlier statements that he will compete in the 2009 Giro d'Italia. "The Giro has always occupied a special place in my life," Sastre said. "It represents my first major goal of the season. The Giro also is the only Grand Tour in which I haven't finished on the podium, and this is an even greater motivation for me. "

Angelo Zomegnan, the organizer of the Giro, was pleased with Sastre's and Cervélo Test Team's request to race the Giro. "Carlos Sastre has honored the Giro in 1999, 2002 and 2006, albeit in the role of lieutenant and not a leader," said Zomegnan. "His presence will help to further enrich the scope of the Giro del Centenario, which will result in the participation of riders who have finished on all three steps of the podium of the last two editions of the Tour – Sastre, Evans, Leipheimer and Klöden."

Race organiser RCS Sport will present the official route of the 92nd Giro d'Italia on Saturday, in Venice.