Checking in with the Kids at the Giro

With the Giro more than halfway over, how are the younger riders in the peloton doing? Below a brief review of those younger riders who've shined thus far in the year's first Tour. Some are already well known, while others will soon be the sport's biggest stars.

Ricco has lauded himself, but he has yet to be able to significantly gap Alberto Contador. The young rider classification will make for a nice consolation prize though

"The Cobra," or "The Ego," depending on who you talk to, Riccardo Ricco, currently leads the young rider classification. Ricco is already a well known, established pro (his arrival as an elite rider came in 2007), and has been active thus far in the Giro, riding at the front on many stages and winning two outright. He crashed in the first time trial, which is where he lost much of his time to race leader Alberto Contador. He'll likely win the white jersey going away, but will be dissappointed that he didn't net the Pink jersey too.

The new VDB (center in red) can mix it up in the hilly classics (here shown climbing at the Fleche Wallonne)

Jurgen Van Den Broeck has been the revelation of the Giro for the Silence-Lotto team. He has ridden exceedingly well in this year's Giro, and although he trails Contador, the 25 year old is showing he could be a rider to watch for the future. At worst, the Belgian will be able to support future team leaders as an good time trialist and climber.

Nibali will be a team leader within a couple of seasons, if not sooner

Vincenzo Nibali has been hyped from the beginning of the Giro as a possible dark horse contender, and he has not dissapointed. Nibali has shown himself to be a promising grand tour prospect for the rabbid Italian tifosi, and has ridden admirably in support of team leader Pellizotti. Expect him to take as many lessons as he can from this Giro, with an eye on the overall next year.

Anker Sorensen is still learning, but has shown promise early in his career

Chris Anker Sorensen was marked as a youngster to watch ahead of the Giro, but he hasn't been able to keep with the world's best in the year's first grand tour. He'll need a few more seasons under Bjarne Riis' watchful eye before he can hope to contend in a race the caliber of the Giro.

Spilak, at only 21, has a seemingly limitless upside as a big time rider

Like Anker Sorensen, Simon Spilak has underperformed at the Giro thus far, but make no mistake: the 21 year old Slovenian is a real talent who appears a promising prospect for the future. He lost a heafty 3+ minutes in the mountain time trial, and was dropped epically on stage 15 in the Dolomites, but he's right where he should be in this his first year as a true pro. Add to the puzzle that he was 9th at Flanders and 12th overall at Paris-Nice, and you have a picture of his future capabilities. His mental and physical toughness will only improve with age, to the chagrin of the rest of the peloton.