Playing the role of a reliable domestique in mountains to Team Sky leaders while riding in the outfit of the British squad last seasons, Rigoberto Uran never denied his ambitions to look for his own chances to shine and prove himself as a strong GC contender. The 27-year old Colombian finally got his opportunity at the 2013 Giro d’Italia and made the most of it finishing runner-up to Vincenzo Nibali, apparently more than he was theoretically capable of considering he wasn’t the second best climber in the race. Still, an extremely strong competition within Sky riders forced him to make a decision to join Omega Pharma-Quick Step for the next season as early as in August, as the Belgian squad guaranteed Uran a leadership role in major races of the UCI calendar.

“After three very good seasons in Sky, as they once were in Caisse, I had to make a change and look for my personal goals. I get to know my new team and I feel comfortable there, now it’s my turn to repay for their trust.”

Being an unquestionable leader of the Belgian squad for stage races, particularly for the Giro d’Italia and most likely the Vuelta a Espana this season, Uran acknowledges it won’t be an easy task as the Omega Pharma-Quick Step has no tradition in competing for the top spots in grand tours’ general classifications and his team mates won’t be dedicated exclusively to ride in his support throughout all stages while leading out sprinters and looking for their own chances. The 27-year old Colombian, however, has been recognized as a rider capable of doing well on demanding mountain stages on his own, what was one of the reasons for Patrick Lefevere to offer him a contract.

“My role will be difficult, so I hope to live up to expectations.”

“Omega had no tradition of going for the overall [classification], but competing in sprints and classic races.”

Asked about his main objectives for 2014 season, he obviously pointed out to the Giro, the race which he knows very well and in which he excelled last year, despite an extremely tough competition he will be forced to face in the coming edition of the Italian grand tour.

“This [the Giro] is my biggest challenge. I know my quality will be compared to the likes of Nairo [Quintana], Purito [Rodriguez] and Porte, but I must give it all to finish as high as possible, despite the difficulties and rivals.”

“I love the route and it favors me, there are enough mountains.”

“I consider him [Quintana] a good friend and a great rider. He proved it last two years in Europe. He is a true figure, but my obligation in to try to beat him in Italy,” Uran commented on facing his fellow countryman in the Giro d’Italia this year.

Despite having an impressive acceleration on steep climbs which favors him to excel in Ardennes classics, just like his another countrymen Betancur of Ag2r and Henao of Team Sky did last year, Uran will skip those races this year to get perfectly prepared for his Giro campaing.

“I will ride Tirreno, Catalunya, and we will see…,” Colombian contemplated.