A Giro del Trentino without borders, not geographical, nor technological. There was a lot of movement today at Arcos casino for preliminary operation and the traditional pre-race press conference. The international vocation of the event, now in its 36th edition, will be enhanced by the worldwide live TV from tomorrow on both Raisport2 and Eurosport. The starting list is also filled with internationality, as the race will involve teams from Europe, Asia, North and South America.

But the real, brand new innovation is the one unveiled on the race’s eve by Asus, new technological partner of the Giro del Trentino, where the digital signature sheet will be sperimentally introduced for the very first time: a great innovation, probably destined to spread quickly in the world of cycling.

“Sports is an area our company has a strong interest in – Alessandro Basso, Asus’ Country Product Manager explained – and this technology will allow new, interesting uses for tablets”. The riders taking part to the conference directly tested the new technology, and were positively impressed.

Of course, the race was among the day’s topics, and last year’s winner Michele Scarponi made it clear that he’s not here for joking: “Ok, everyone is looking at the Giro d’Italia – explained – but this is a very severe race, with technical routes and very tough climbs. I was told the new one, Punta Veleno, is a really dreadful one".

Such a perspective kind of scares Ivan Basso as well, as he didn’t come to Trentino with the condition he would have liked to: “Crashing twice in a week, always knocking on the same knee, didn’t make things easier. I worked a lot over the last few weeks, I hope I will start to see the benefits here in Trentino”.

After two podium positions in cobbles’ Classics, Alessandro Ballan now focuses on the team time trial, “a great opportunity for my team, so I will try and do my best as well”.

Latest new with less than 24 hours to the start: the weather is slightly improving, even though forecasts are still quite unpleasant. Raisport2 will broadcast the team time trial despite the journalists’ strike, with no commentary; the race will also be live on Eurosport. The live broadcast will start at 14,45 CET.
Colombia Coldeportes will be the first team to start at 14.45, while NetApp will wrap things up.

Photo: Michele Scarponi testing the new digital signature sheet (Daniele Mosna)

Documents: Starting list  - TTT starting order