Alessandro Ballan will ride his first ever Giro d’Italia with a pair of custom fi’zi:k R1 Uomo shoes that celebrate this year’s ‘Corsa Rosa’.
Ballan has used the all black model of the R1 Uomo so far this season but his new special shoes for the Giro d’Italia stand out because they are all white. The only touches of colour are the Giro d’Italia route map on the side of the shoes and the red, white and green straps that represent the Italian ‘tricolore’ flag.
Ballan is part of a powerful BMC Racing Team squad for the Giro d’Italia that also includes former world champion Thor Hushovd, overall contender Marco Pinotti and opening time trial favourite Taylor Phinney. Mauro Santambrogio, Ivan Santaromita, Mathias Frank, Johan Tschoop and Danilo Wyss complete the nine-rider line-up.
All the members of the BMC Racing Team use fi’zi:k saddles.
Ballan will use his natural aggression and Belgian classic prowess to target stage victories during the Giro d’Italia. He confirmed he was on form by winning the Giro della Toscana just a week before the start of the Giro d’Italia. He made sure he was part of the breakaway that fought for victory and then dominated the sprint finish.
Surprisingly it was his first victory since 2009.
“It’d had been so long since my last win, that I’d almost forgotten how to do it,” Ballan joked after his victory. “We won the team time trial at the Giro del Trentino but this was different. The Giro della Toscana was a test for the Giro d’Italia and the result proved I’m ready for the Giro. It’s difficult to believe that’s it’s my first ever Giro but it’s true. I’ve been a pro for eight years but I’ve always ridden the Tour or the Vuelta.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m going to race like a neo-pro: with enthusiasm, pride, curiosity and passion. Fortunately I’ll also have experience on my side. I hope that makes a difference. There are a lot of hilly stages that suit breakaways and fire rider’s desire to attack. That’s how I have to be if I want to win another race.”