Two days ago it came as a big surprise that Fernando Gaviria beat two world stars like Mark Cavendish and Sacha Modolo in a bunch sprint. If anyone thought it was a coincidence, the Colombian made it clear that he is a serious rival when he again beat the Brit and the Italian in Juana Koslay at the end of the third stage of the Tour de San Luis.

Gaviria, double junior world champion on the track, confirmed that he also has a talent for the road. His work over the last few months has paid off and the doors to the cycling world are now open for the 20-year-old. “It's one of the best weeks of my life. It's amazing being able to beat a genius, an idol of mine like Cavendish, twice," he said with a smile. “Perhaps it was a surprise to many that I won the first stage, even for me, but this time I could repeat and again beat a genius like Cavendish," he added.

"Before I came to Argentina, I did not expect to win a stage but I was thrilled when I got one, before coming to Argentina,” he said. "It's amazing to beat Cavendish, I still remember watching him win in the Tour from the comfort of my home," he added.

Gaviria emphasized the collective work of the Colombian national team which was a key to overcoming the powerful Etixx-Quick Step train in the final meters. "They went very fast in the final kilometer, but my team did a great job and allowed me to come through. I attacked before Cavendish because I knew he would do everything to stay in front. Mark is still the best sprinter, but this shows me I'm fine," he analyzed. And he explained how he went from being a great track rider to a surprisingly fast sprinter. "We've worked a lot on the road. I worked tirelessly throughout December and have no regrets. Today I enjoy it," he said.

Gaviria had made this race in Argentina a goal: "I trained for this Tour de San Luis, not for the World Cup in London” where he won the omnium one month ago. "Tomorrow I will be a domestique for my teammates," he said as if nothing had changed in his life even though it is hard to imagine that he won’t sign a contract with one of the biggest teams in the world.