Hello and welcome to live coverage of the opening stage of the 2013 Giro d'Italia. The 96th edition of La Corsa Rosa starts with a short 130km stage in and around Naples, which should result in a bunch sprint.

Garmin-Sharp's Ryder Hesjedal, the defending champion from Canada, starts the race in the pink jersey. It's the first time a defending champion has been given the honour of wearing the maglia rosa from the outset.

The attacks are coming in thick and fast, with riders from Lotto-Belisol, Euskaltel, Ag2R-La Mondiale and Vacansoleil all on the front.

They're off! Race organiser Michele Acquarone waves the flag and the 2013 Giro d'Italia is officially underway, with the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team of Mark Cavendish right on the front from the outset. They will be targeting a win - and the pink jersey - for the former world champion today.

It's a hot and sunny day in Naples with the temperature a balmy 30 degrees centigrade as the 207 rirders from 23 teams roll through the neutral zone in Naples.