Pozzovivo set for more Giro heroics for AG2R

The Italian climber was named at the head of a nine-rider squad for the year's first Grand Tour, which kicks off in Naples on May 4.

Pozzovivo claimed victory on stage eight of last year's race, finishing eighth overall, after winning prestigious Giro del Trentino earlier in the season.

Twenty-three teams are expected at this year's three-week race around Italy. AG2R, along with fellow French outfit FDJ, are the first to name their rosters.

AG2R squad for the Giro d'Italia: Davide Appollonio, Manuel Belletti, Julien Bérard, Carlos Betancur, Guillaume Bonnafond, Hubert Dupont, Ben Gastauer, Sylvain Georges and Domenico Pozzovivo.