The 2021 Giro d’Italia will be broadcast live on SBS VICELAND and live-streamed on SBS On Demand from Saturday 8 May. You can also catch up anytime on SBS On Demand.
The reigning Italian and European road race champion has twice won the points competition at the Giro but incredibly has never won a stage at his home Grand tour.
The 32-year-old comes into the race on the back of some fine form which has included a string of top-10 finishes at the spring Classics and has been his team’s most consistent performer for the past two seasons.
Ahead of the start of the Giro on May 8, Nizzolo revealed why winning at La Corsa Rosa means so much to him.
“The Giro is one of the most important races of the year for me and especially this year because of the jerseys that I wear; racing on the Italian roads is really special,” Nizzolo said.
“I've been watching this race since I was a kid so it's always a privilege to be a part of the show.
"Twice winning the points jersey has been very special and on reflection makes me really happy and proud.
“This year the goal is to win a stage and then see how I feel over the course of the race.
“I feel good ahead of the race, ready, and I've been training well. I had a good first part of the season where I've felt good and had some solid performances so I'm confident that I can perform well. First of all, I want to fight and do my best and then we will see what the road will bring."
Nizzolo’s two biggest rivals for sprint honours at the Giro will likely be Aussie Ewan and Slovakian great Peter Sagan who will both be driven to show why they are two of the premier sprinters on the WorldTour.
Despite his personal goals for the race, Nizzolo said the ambitions of his team are first priority.
"We race for Qhubeka - every single day - and even when not racing this is top of mind," Nizzolo said.
"We know how important this is for people that we continue to live the message that bicycles change lives. I'm super proud to wear the European jersey and being the Italian champion with this message on my shoulders.
"I really hope that the Italian people will appreciate our efforts on the road, these are hugely important reasons for us to be proud ahead of the start of the Giro."
