Cycling: Italian power arriving

A top Italian professional cycle team, Amore and Vita, has been named as the first international participants in New Zealand's largest cycle race, the Tour of Wellington starting on February 2.

Race director Jorge Sandoval said Amore and Vita were one of Italy's most popular teams. They are led by top Italian rider Maurizio De Pasquale and are a squad of five top Italian riders.

They are sponsored by the Vatican.

De Pasquale, a professional since 1995, has won 18 races, including stages of tours of Italy, the United States and France.