Rodolfo Torres of Team Colombia-Coldeportes knew he only had once chance to go for the big goal in the first Italian race of the season, GP Costa degli Etruschi of Donoratico (San Vincenzo-Donoratico, 192 km): attacking on Torre Segalari climb, the hardest difficulty of the race’s finale, and try to open a gap. The Colombian actually did not disappoint, trying a move in the toughest section of the climb along with Damiano Cunego (Vini Fantini) and Fabian Wegmann (Cult Energy), but that could not avoid the final 25-man sprint, won by Manuel Belletti (Southeast) in front of Davide Viganò (Team Idea) and Nicolò Bonifazio (Lampre-Merida).

Rodolfo Torres still managed to secure the 14th spot in the final sprint, and got another prove of the very good condition he had glaringly shown at the Tour de San Luis, with the overall 2nd place. Eighteen-year old Daniel Martinez also provided an encouraging performance in his absolute first in the elite category, terminating the race in 43rd position: time is on his side.

“Rodolfo knew he only had one real shot, and did his best to exploit it." Sports Director Oscar Pellicioli told. "But the climb was too short to create a decisive gap. Nevertheless, Torres provided another important demonstration, giving us confidence for what’s next to come.”

In France, the Etoile de Besseges came to a close on Sunday February 8th, with a 13,2 km ITT around Ales. Luxembourger Bob Jungels (Trek) dominated the time trial with a 17.40 performance, eventually winning the overall classification too. Brayan Ramirez was the best Team Colombia-Coldeportes rieder on the day, 37th, 1.01 behind the winner.

Next on for Team Colombia-Coldeportes will be the Vuelta a Andalucia-Ruta del Sol, in Spain, from February 18th to 22nd.