Team Colombia is heading back to GP Lugano, two years later after the last edition to date, due to last year’s cancellation for a snowstorm. It will be a good chance for Fabio Duarte, who has a 2nd place in this race under his belt: it was 2011 when he finished behind Ivan Basso after a 2-man action.

On Sunday March 2nd, along with Duarte, Team Colombia’s Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli will rely on Jarlinson Pantano – Tour Mediterraneen KOM – and 5 of Team Colombia’s 2014 signings: Miguel Angel Rubiano – who showed up consistently in the recent outings – Rodolfo Torres, Jonathan Paredes, Darwin Pantoja and Edward Diaz. 
Fabio Duarte will return to a happy hunting ground when he lines up as Team Colombia leader at Sunday's GP Lugano. He will joined forces with Miguel Angel Rubiano on the hilly course after having finished second in the race in 2011.

Team Colombia is heading back in the GP Lugano, two years later after the last edition, due to last year’s cancellation for a snowstorm. It will be a good chance for Fabio Duarte, who has a 2nd place in this race under his belt. It was 2011 when he finished behind Ivan Basso after a 2-man action.

On Sunday March 2nd, along with Duarte, Team Colombia’s Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli will rely on Jarlinson Pantano – Tour Mediterraneen KOM – and 5 of Team Colombia’s 2014 signings: Miguel Angel Rubiano – who showed up consistently in the recent outings – Rodolfo Torres, Jonathan Paredes, Darwin Pantoja and Edward Diaz. 

The race route will be almost the same than in recent years: the classic circuit featuring Collina d’Oro, Soragna and Ruvigliana climbs will be repeated 5 times, to make a total 169 km distance. The final Ruvigliana climb is just 5 km away from the finish – from there on, the riders will find only a short descent and a flat stretch to the line.

“GP Lugano is a selective race that suits our characteristics,” Oscar Pellicioli said. "Duarte managed to perform very well here in the past, and he showed improvement in his recent outings. In addition, the first success of the year caught by Duber Quintero at the Tour de Langkawi provided a real boost to the team morale and confidence, so we are really looking forward to the forthcoming fixtures.”

After the Swiss race, the Escarabajos will return to Italy for three one-day races – GP Camaiore, Strade Bianche and Roma Maxima – on March 6th, 8th and 9th respectively.

Colombia for the GP Lugano
Edward Diaz, Fabio Duarte, Jarlinson Pantano, Darwin Pantoja, Jonathan Paredes, Miguel Angel Rubiano, Rodolfo Torres