Evans to race in Giro

"It's official: the Australian rider Cadel Evans, leader of the Silence-Lotto team, will take part in the Giro," organisers RCS said.

Evans, who was second in the Tour de France behind Spaniards Alberto Contador in 2007 and Carlos Sastre this year, joins an impressive field on the Giro.

Seven-times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong said he will participate in the race for the first time, with Italian Ivan Basso and Sastre also on the starting list.

Evans, 31, last rode in the Giro in 2002, when he finished 14th overall and wore the pink jersey for the overall leader for one day.

"I think I am mature enough to tackle to big Tours in the same year like the Giro and the Tour," he said.