One of the brightest figures of Colombian cycling is Sergio Luis Henao. The Sky rider suffered a dramatic crash in the 2014 Tour de Suisse but got back to the highest level in 2015 and is now ready to build on the huge potential he showed in the early part of his career.

"Fortunately I can start to enjoy my full physical capabilities as I was hampered by my accident in 2014 and 2015,” he tells Revista Mundo Ciclistico before travelling to Australia for the Tour Down Under. “I am willing to do the work to confirm my achievements and to contribute to the goals my team has set for 2016. Today I'm travelling to my first race and I have a clear race program.  I no longer have to think about how my knee will respond after the accident in Switzerland since after a year of work I am good and in the best possible condition.

“Let's say the priority is to work for the team but I have my eyes on the classics and then I want to be of maximum support for Mikel Landa at the Giro d’Italia. To end the first part of the season I want to be selected for the Colombian team for the Olympic Games.

”At the moment I am starting with the Tour Down Under in Australia (January 17-24) and then I will return to Colombia to continue my training with the benefit of the altitude. I will ride the National Road Championships in Tunja and then travel to Europe to race at Strade Bianchi, Tirreno-Adriatico, the Basque Country and the Giro d'Italia.”

Henao has been part pf the Sky team since he turned professional.

“It is no secret that it is one of the most powerful teams in the world and has been strengthened with more signings this year,” he says. “This makes it difficult to be a team leader but I have the comfort of having the confidence and opportunity that the team has given me and will give me in races like the Basque Countru. I have a great responsibility in this team.”

Henao is part of a golden generation of Colombian riders.

“We have reached an important level and I think every year is better,” he says. “There is a very strong foundation at the moment, with the confirmation of Quintana, Uran, Chaves and Arredondo and the arrival of young riders like Miguel Angel Lopez and Fernando Gaviria. There are also others like Jonathan Restrepo at Katusha. Colombian cycling will continue to grow and the performances of riders like Gaviria will serve to demonstrate that cycling is not only for climbers but that we have talents for all terrains.”

One of the Colombian riders is Henao’s cousin and teammate, Sebastian.

“He will begin his third season,” Sergio says. “Let's say that last year was perhaps not as good as 2014 but actually he suffered from several health problems and had a calendar that did not favor him. This year he will begin more quietly and I think he will reach a physical and mental maturity to continue the progress that is expected of young people like him.”