one less car news

(Philadelphia, PA) March 7, 2011 - GEOX-TMC received the news they had been waiting for Monday: The pro-continental squad snubbed by the Tour de France will get their chance at Italy's coveted pink jersey.

Giro Director Angelo Zomegnan officially extended GEOX-TMC a wild-card invitation to the Giro d'Italia Monday.

"We deserve it," Sport Director Joxean Matxin Fernández told VeloNews. "We will have one of the strongest teams for the Giro. We have both Carlos and Denis, both of whom have won grand tours and will be among the favorites for overall victory."

Upon learning of the ASO's disappointing decision in January, GEOX-TMC immediately shifted its focus to the Tour of Italy. And instead of opting to join a team already in the Tour, GEOX-TMC's superstars Carlos Sastre and Denis Menchov not only pledged their commitment to the team, they vowed to win the Giro.

And it's not exactly a pipe-dream for the 2008 Tour de France Champion and 2009 Giro d'Italia winner.

"They feel they can win it, and so do we," said Pat Cunnane, president of Advanced Sports International, the parent company of Fuji Bikes - official bike sponsor of GEOX-TMC.

"We are absolutely thrilled, and somewhat relieved, that the team will have the opportunity to race in Italy's most prestigious race, and with the way they've been riding so far, I'm liking their chances," he added.

Fresh off their first victory of the season with Matteo Pelucchi's 1^st place finish at the Clasica de Almeria and Denis Menchov's podium finish at this weekend's Vuelta a Murcia, GEOX-TMC is poised for a great Giro run.