After missing out on the Ardennes classics due to a knee injury, Moreno Moser has changed his race schedule. Following his grand tour debut at last year's Tour de France, the Italian will ride the Giro in search of stage wins.

Moreno Moser and the Cannondale Pro Cycling’s management have definitely left the reservation on his future race schedule and his attendance in a grand tour. After the 2013 experience at the Tour de France, his first long stages race in career, in May 2014 Moser will be at the start of the Giro d’Italia (May 9 though June 1).

Moser has just fully recovered after the pain of this left knee suffered during the Tirreno-Adriatico and he’s going to attend the Giro del Trentino. After the Italian stages race he will be at the start of Tour de Romandie, his last event before the Corsa Rosa.

“I’m very happy to race the Giro” said Moser. “The story that my family have with this race always impressed me. I heard many stories from my uncle Francesco and I lived the successes of Gibo Simoni. When I was a child my town, Palù di Giovo, used to stop to watch the Giro. I grew with the dream to race and to win something at the Giro. Last year I understand why the Tour de France is the biggest event in cycling and I was pleased to be there, but the idea to race Giro was always strong in me”.

“During the next weeks I want to prepare for the event in the best way. Trentino and Romandie will be two important steps to improve my condition. I’ll have also the chance to examine the route in depth, even just on paper. My aim is to leave the mark on the race – a stage victory would be a great way to debut” added Moser.

“We see Moreno as a perfect stage hunter for Cannondale Pro Cycling at the Giro,” said team manager Roberto Amadio. “Last year's experience at the Tour de France has been an important step for Moreno to improve his endurance and to absorb the pressure of a big event. We think he’s now ready to race in front of the Italian fans and to present a bold performance. Together with Ivan Basso for the general classification, Elia Viviani and Oscar Gatto for the stages, we have all we need to live a great Giro”.