Jay Vine (Image credit: Getty Images)

Jay Vine has said he won't be targeting a general classification finish at this year's Giro d'Italia , despite UAE Team Emirates-XRG not arriving with their originally planned leader, João Almeida.

The Australian has long been talked of as a potential man for the three-week races, with enough climbing talent to win four Vuelta a España stages in his career already, and the time trialling ability which saw him finish second behind only Remco Evenepoel at the last UCI Road World Championships in Kigali.

"No, [ Almeida pulling out ] hasn't really changed my role. It's disappointing not having João here because I think he had a good chance to do a good race, but it's more opportunities for the team.…