Frank Schleck to lead Radioshack at Giro

The Luxembourg rider, who finished third in last year's Tour De France, replaces Jakob Fuglsang in the team after the Dane was forced to pull-out with an inflammation of the articular capsule and ligament of the left knee.

"My season was directed at peaking in the Tour (de France) but when you think about it, this situation creates opportunitie," Schleck said.

"For sure, I will come to the start with a different preparation than the other GC riders, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

"My condition is not so bad and it can only grow the coming weeks. The Tour of Italy is one of the big monuments of cycling as well, so it is at least a big challenge for me.”

Team Manager Johan Bruynee said he was confident Schleck could lead the nine-man team.

"I see a lot of opportunities for Frank as well as for the team”, he said.

"“Frank is a born leader and a team needs a leader. Moreover – though bad luck and circumstances did not provide the right results - he has shown in the last few weeks that his condition has already reached a high level.

"I am confident he can surprise us in the coming weeks. It all reminds me of the 2008 Tour of Italy when, one week before the start, we got an invitation for the race. In the end we won the overall."

The Giro runs from May 5-27.