Earlier this year the Colombian Cycling Federation decided to move the national championships to early February in an attempt to attract the main stars from the country to the race. Now Rigoberto Uran has become the first big name to confirm his participation.

Rigoberto Uran not only gets media attentions for his achievements on the road. In addition to being one of the leading riders on the UCI WorldTour, the Colombian has also become a reference point for his willingness to take on social obligations.

Uran is a brand that goes beyond cycling and that is why his brief rest period is dedicated to other aspects of his life, together with his advisors and his local community. Yesterday he met with the media in the capital to present a photo gallery that shows him and some cycling art.

"We did some different pictures of me where we wanted to show something other than the road. We took great photos that will be put on auction," said the rider, 27, who also took time to discuss issues concerning the upcoming season during the meeting. He still has an exact schedule but confirmed that he will attend the National Elite Road Championships which will be held February 3-9.

"I'll be in the national championship and many riders from Europe will participate. It is very important for people who follow us to be able to watch us compete in our country where we started," the Omega Pharma-Quick Step leader said.

"It's an issue that the riders who ride in Europe, have been talking about, and we gather because we want to participate. Obviously winning is very difficult but it would be an honor to compete in Europe in the jersey of Colombian champion," said Uran who will defend the colors of Antioquia before focusing on his European schedule with the Patrick Lefevere's squad.

"Every year there are more commitments and responsibilities but I am doing well. The idea is to keep working, I think everything is a process. This year was very good for cycling in Colombia and for me," he said before briefly analyzing the grand tour routes.

"The Giro hass a very attractive route with a 60km time trial which can be quite good. In the Tour de France, there is no time trial (only 14 kilometers, ed.) and there are highly explosive stages but after all they are all very hard."