Enlarge imageBy Stephen Farrand
MILAN (Reuters) - The route for the 2009 Giro d'Italia is expected to suit seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong when it is unveiled in Venice on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Texan has confirmed he will ride the three-week Giro for the first time in his career when he returns to professional cycling next year after a three-year absence.
Details of the centenary edition of the Giro have been widely leaked in the Italian press, revealing an atypical route that starts in Venice on May 9 and ends in Rome on May 31.
The opening 21km team time trial in Venice and a 61.5km individual time trial through the Cinque Terre coastal region near Genoa are likely to be key stages.
Both time trials suit Armstrong, who built his seven Tour de France wins by gaining time on his rivals against the clock.
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The key mountain stages are expected to be to the summit of the Block Haus climb in the central Apennines and on the slopes of the Mount Vesuvius volcano overlooking Naples.
The 2008 Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre of Spain has also confirmed he will ride the Giro, as will Italy's Ivan Basso who recently completed a two-year doping ban.
On Friday organisers RCS Sport revealed a new race leader's pink jersey created by Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
