Team Colombia has asked for a wildcard for the 2014 Giro d’Italia. The team has already chose their captain and it will be Colombian Fabio Duarte. Duarte has spent his new year holiday in Italy riding the climbs. Duarte, who had his best days last year in the Giro, will use the 2014 Giro d’Italia to attack the GC riders and go for a stage win.
On December 31st, Fabio Duarte rode the Montecampione climb together with Team Colombia General Manager Claudio Corti. The climb will be one of the highlights, when the 15th stage will end on the climb. Team Colombia has the chance of receiving one of the three remaining wildcards to the Giro and RCS Sport will decide which teams they want in their race. Even though their participation is uncertain, Duarte will train to ride the grand tour.
In order to know the route, Duarte decided to for the first time to stay in Italy where he normally lives, instead of travelling back to Colombia. He wants to stay focused and that can be quite hard for Duarte. Fabio and his wife Daniela became parents to their daughter Marianella on December the 26th.
“It is true, I am as serene and focused as ever in my life,” the former U23 world champion said, ”I am training hard and I am experiencing the best feelings I have ever had at this time of the year. Some might think that staying in Italy would have been a disadvantage, but it really was not the case here: I could focus on my preparation only, keeping everyday contact with Claudio Corti and our Sports Directors. Last year, I could tell something wasn’t working to plan in Winter time already, and being away from my family all the way through the season distracted me more than it should.”
On Friday Duarte will go to Bogotà, where he will train for two weeks ahead of joining the team in Argentina for the season debut.
“This time out, it’s an all-new story: in these months I was able to make the best for myself as a rider, working hard to hit the ground running, starting at the Tour de San Luis. The climate and weather is different in Italy than in Colombia, but that did not affect me a bit: on the other hand, I could enjoy a deal of tranquility and serenity that is really making a huge difference.”
“I have never raced in San Luis before, I know many first-tier athletes have been starting their season there in the last few season, and that will be the case this time too. It will be a useful comparison: no one will be in top condition yet, but personally I hope to provide a good performance – it would be important for me.”
Even though he is looking forward to attend the Tour de San Luis, the goal of the season is Giro d’Italia.
“Everyone in the team hopes to be back to the Giro, and we honestly believe in our chances. Though there are a number of strong teams with a chance, I believe Team Colombia provided a good solid performance in 2013, and we would deserve to be selected again. We only missed a stage win, and we want a second chance to grab it. Montecampione? Why not: it would be a nice one to dedicate to Marianella…” Duarte said.
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