In the third week of the Giro d'Italia, Sebastian Henao has proevd that Team Sky have not only signed him because of his relations to cousion Sergio. After finishing in the top 10 in the queen stage, the Colombian took 8th in today's Monte Grappa time trial.

Sebastian Henao and Dario Cataldo produced a pair of superb climbing performances to place eighth and tenth respectively in the stage 19 mountain time trial at the Giro d’Italia.

The imposing slopes of Monte Grappa played host to the tough test of endurance, but it was the youngest rider in the race who rose to the occasion – 20-year-old Henao jumping to the top of the standings for a brief spell after a stirring performance.

The Colombian would end the stage three minutes and 48 seconds back on compatriot and eventual stage winner Nairo Quintana after the Movistar rider took a significant step closer to the pink jersey heading into the final weekend.

Cataldo again gave it everything to continue an impressive and combative home Grand Tour appearance and another top-10 finish was the reward for the former Italian time trial champion.

As the day wore on the times got quicker as the overall contenders took to the mountain in the fight for the GC. Quintana prevailed in a nip-and-tuck battle with Fabio Aru (Astana) by 17 seconds, but more significantly he pushed his lead out to 3:07 over the man in third on the day, Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step).

After the stage Henao admitted he was pleased to have put in such a competitive time, deep into his debut Grand Tour.

“I was really happy with the ride," he told TeamSky.com. "I like the climb and I was able to find a good rhythm on the way up. It was great to be able to set a time in the top 10 with so many big names.

“Obviously I’m very happy with how the race has gone so far for me. It’s my first Grand Tour, my first year in the team and I’m still very young. I have learned so much and to do a Grand Tour with Team Sky is a real privilege.

“It is really nice to see so many Colombians on the roadside and it feels at times like it is a home crowd for us. I’m sure next year there will be even more Colombian fans coming to the Giro.”