One of the many Colombians in the WorldTour is Darwin Atapuma. ‘The Puma’ who rides for the BMC Racing Team has had to overcome a series of mishaps that has kept him out of competition but thanks to the unconditional support of his team they now belong to the past.

First he had to spend a long time to recover from a broken femur that he suffered in the Tour de France. It was not the only setback: it forced him to end his season early and undertake a long recovery process.

When things were looking bright, Atapuma was the victim of an attack during a training ride, with two men trying to steal his bike. He suffered a serious injury to his left hand which nearly caused him to lose mobility. Then event occurred on his well-known training road in Túquerres (Nariño). “It could be worse, but thanks to God it was mainly the shock," said the talented rider who overcame the difficulties with courage and now is focused on his second year as a WorldTour rider.

"Last month was a very difficult time in my career, but I think, as the saying goes: 'after the storm comes the calm'. After the latest injury, I won’t be going too well in Europe but the idea is to stay positive and hope that things go well,” he told his national federation. Atapuma is set to return to competition in the Tour Mediteraneen.

“I am recovering well but it was hard to miss some training after this injury. Fortunately, I will go to Europe with 70% of my recovery done,” he said. He plans to rider the Volta a Catalunya, Vuelta al Pais Vasco and Tour de Romandie to prepare for his big goal: the Giro d'Italia.

"Unfortunately the crash in the Tour de France has been quite difficult. It ended my season but this year I aim to return to my best level. The recovery has been pretty good. Being in a WorldTour team has been a great experience. You learn a lot from great champions like Cadel Evans and Philippe Gilbert.”

On Monday, Atapuma traveled to Denis to join his team for a training camp. He will stay there for three weeks before he starts competing after a few days of rest at his European residence. “I hope to improve my level so that I can achieve important things in the Giro and I hope that I will be able to give everything,” said Atapuma who confirmed that he has received the support from his team to be at the National Road Championships of route that will be held on February 7 and 8 in Antioquia.