Quintana to lead Movistar at Giro d'Italia

Associated Press

MADRID (AP) — Tour de France runner-up Nairo Quintana will lead Movistar at the Giro d'Italia next month.

Movistar announced its preliminary list of 11 riders on Wednesday. It will reduce the list to nine before the race.

Quintana finished second to Christopher Froome at the Tour last year, but he will not ride in cycling's biggest race this summer.

Instead, the Colombian will be Movistar's lead rider in the Italian grand tour and ride in the Spanish Vuelta. Alejandro Valverde will lead Movistar at the Tour.

The Giro begins on May 9 with its first three stages being held in Northern Ireland and Ireland before returning to Italy to complete the three-week event.