Team Manager Kjell Carlström: “We decided to secure G’s place in the Giro since he proved once and again his dedication to the team and his willingness to put the team good before his own ambitions. He is an experienced and strong rider that we need in the critical and decisive moments in Giro stages. I really wanted to let him know he is IN so he can relax his mind and prepare for the challenge.”

As for the painful decision regarding Goldstein and van Winden he said, “Dennis was injured in his last race and needed multiple stitches. Unfortunately the injury will prevent him from preparing for the Giro. Roy is a rider who has made significant progress but we feel he is not yet ready to the demands of a 21 day Grand Tour. He will race and further develop, reaching this level in the future.”

Roy, who will start the tour of Croatia tomorrow, says, “I accept the decision by the professional staff and will move forward.”

Dennis van Winden: “It’s a sad period for me, because I am missing out on races I really worked towards for. I will have a little break and continue with an altitude camp probably so I can come back strong.?

Guillaume Boivin: “I’m very proud to have earned my place on our Giro team. All the hard work over the past few years is paying off.

“I want thank the team owners and managers for putting their trust in me. When Cannondale closed in 2014 it was a big blow to my career. Thanks to my wife and family’s support, I kept chasing my dreams. Now I’ll be back to the start of a Grand Tour with the ICA boys. Don’t get me wrong, we aren’t going there just to start the Giro. We are going there to race hard and try to make something special happen over the 21 stages. Yalla Academy!”

The decision has left 8 candidates fighting for 4 Academy jerseys for the Giro lineup, including the Israelis Guy Niv- and Guy sagiv.

Secured:
– Krists Neilands
– Guillaume Boivin
– Ben Hermans
– Ruben Plaza