Three different races awaitTeam Colombia in Italy later this week, and the line-up directed by Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli looks ahead with confidence, coming off a good stretch of condition and results.  

 

A former classic summer race, GP Camaiore (Thursday March 6th) was last year moved to the early season and recalls some good memories for the Escarabajos. In 2012, Esteban Chaves took his second pro win with a brilliant reduced sprint effort in a Colombia Coldeportes kit.

 

In spite of its recent inception in the pro circuit, Strade Bianche (Saturday March 8th) – a race by RCS Sport, the same organizing company of the Giro d’Italia - has quickly become one of the most iconic races in the sport, with the unmistakable Tuscany’s “sterrati” (dirt roads) bringing a unique vintage touch among the enchanting hills in Siena area.

 

Finally, Roma Maxima (Sunday March 9th), former Giro del Lazio, got back on the pro calendar last year, and features a charming finish on the Fori Imperiali in downtown Rome. Last year, Leonardo Duque managed to finish sixth in the chasing group’s sprint.

 

Pellicioli will field the same 7-man line-up that came back from Lugano with a solid performance and a 7th place (with Pantano) in the bag. Team European “veterans” Fabio Duarte, Jarlinson Pantano and Miguel Angel Rubiano will be joined in Central Italy by Rodolfo Torres, Edward Diaz, Darwin Pantoja and Jonathan Paredes.

 

“Camaiore is a race suited for punchy climbers with some pop in the sprint," Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli said. "So we expect Miguel Angel Rubiano and Fabio Duarte to be in contention, along with Pantano, while also a rider like Darwin Pantoja could give a good contribution, as his condition is improving day by day.

 

“Jarlinson Pantano fell in love with Strade Bianche in 2012, when he finished 12th, and is looking forward to be back, and a former mountain biker like Rodolfo Torres could also have a good feeling for it, given his experience on dirt.

 

“Finally, Rubiano could have a good shot in Roma, as the race could come down to a reduced sprint on the Fori Imperiali. Nevertheless, just like last year, long-distance breaks must be handled with much care, and we expect a significant contribution by Edward Diaz and Jonathan Paredes,” Pellicioli concluded.

 

Edward Diaz, Fabio Duarte, Jarlinson Pantano, Darwin Pantoja, Jonathan Paredes, Miguel Angel Rubiano, Rodolfo Torres