Geraint Thomas has been backed to win the Giro d’Italia when he has his first crack at Grand Tour glory in May.

Thomas’ Team Sky bosses insist they would not be attempting to win the three-week long race unless they felt the Cardiff-born rider had a real shout.

The 30-year-old has normally been a support rider at the major races helping Chris Froome to his three Tour de France triumphs.

But as part of his move away from being a Classics rider to a stage racer Thomas will share the leadership role with Mikel Landa at the Giro.

Sky coach Tim Kerrison, speaking to cyclingnews.com, said: “We go into every race trying to win so winning would be success.

“We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t think he could win.

“We sat down at the beginning of December and the sports directors responsible for each of the Grand Tours presented what they knew about the routes.

“We went through them stage-by-stage and looked at the demands.

“At the end of that meeting I asked them, ‘out of everyone in the peloton, and in our team, who is best suited to this Giro?’

“Other than Chris, obviously, Geraint was the next name that came up.”

Thomas proved he could win a stage race with his victories at the Volta ao Algarve and Paris-Nice last year.

But a three week Grand Tour is another step up, but if he is to harbour ambitions of one day challenging for the Tour de France then he needs to challenge this year.

It will be difficult with defending champ Vincenzo Nibali and Colombia’s Nairo Quintana in the field.

The race from May 5-28 – with the final day an individual time trial that starts at the Formula One track at Monza near Milan – includes five testing mountain stages.

But Kerrison added: ”What we know is that when he’s at his best he’s a great climber and he’s already a great time trialist.

“We know that the biggest challenge will be the third week but that’s the same for everyone.”

“We’ve seen his progression over the years from where he’s moved from focusing on the Classics and being a support rider in stage races.

“He’s done a great job as a support rider in the Tour de France over the last couple of years.

“He recognises that when he’s in great shape he can climb with the front group most of the time and he’s a good time trialist.”