Team Colombia ready to make a splash in its Giro debut
South American squad will attack in the mountains as it hunts for stage wins
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Team Colombia is keen on making a good first impression in its grand tour debut at the Giro d’Italia.
The South Americans bring a team packed with climbers and attackers, with the promise of lighting up the climbs and hunting for a stage win.
“We tried to setup a balanced group, capable of staying in the action in every race situation, even if our main focus will be on the mountains, where our top athletes can show their best qualities,” team boss Claudio Corti said in a team release Monday. “We are going to the Giro to show off and put up a big show, that is what everyone is expecting from us.”
The Colombians will be lead by the climbing duo of Darwin Atapuma, winner of a stage in last year’s Giro del Trentino, and former under-23 world champion Fabio Duarte. Missing will be 2011 Tour de l’Avenir winner Esteban Chaves, who has still not fully recovered from a severe crash at the Trofeo Laigueglia in February.
The all-Colombian lineup also includes veteran Leonardo Duque.
The ultimate goal is to win a stage, but the “escarabajos” promise to be on the attack every time the road turns up.
Team Colombia for the Giro d’Italia (May 4-26)
Darwin Atapuma (COL)
Edwin Avila (COL)
Robinson Chalapud (COL)
Fabio Duarte (COL)
Leonardo Duque (COL)
Wilson Marentes (COL)
Dalivier Ospina (COL)
Jarlinson Pantano (COL)
Carlos Julian Quintero (COL)
