Lampre focused on Cunego

The 25-year-old Italian won four stages in his 2004 triumph and after Epstein-Barr virus scuppered the defence of his crown, he showed his Grand Tours pedigree once more last year by claiming the Best Young Rider classification.

"We have a formation in position to place side by side with Cunego in every wave of the race," Martinelli told the team's official website.

"On the climbs we will be able to count on (Marco) Marzano, (Paolo) Tiralongo, (Sylvester) Szmyd and (Francisco Javier) Vila.

"And riders like (Matteo) Bono, (Marzio) Bruseghin and (Gorazd) Stangelj will be important with their qualities on the flat."

Martinelli will also be hoping that Danilo Napolitano will be able to challenge the likes of Alessandro Petacchi, Robbie McEwen and Thor Hushovd in the sprints.