Etixx - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Rigoberto Uran's goal was to win the 40.6km Colombian National TT Championship on Saturday, so he could bring the Colombian colors on his back into his first races in Europe this season.
Uran smashed his goal, winning with a time of 51'20", more than a minute and a half faster than 2nd place finisher Rafael Infantino (EPM-UNE-Área Metropolitana). Hernando Bohorquez was 3rd. It was the first win in Colombia as a professional for Uran.
The Colombian rider rode at an average speed of 47.455km/h along the Mall Llanogrande parcours.
Uran is the latest rider to add a victory to the 2015 Etixx - Quick-Step count, as the total is now seven overall (six road). Etixx - Quick-Step also won three races in 24 hours, with Mark Cavendish sealing Dubai Tour Stage 4, as well as the overall, earlier in the day.
"The parcours was good and the race went perfectly," Uran said. "I am happy to bring this Colombian jersey to Europe as I hoped. I found immediately a good tempo and I was always in control.
"For me, this victory is also important because this is the first time in years I was able to ride in Colombia. I had a silver medal in this event nine years ago. So I am proud to come back home, after all this time, and take the next step with gold.
"There was a great public on the road for me and I had a feeling at times like I was at a time trial of one of the biggest races in the world. My public was really important in motivating me today. Their cheers gave me that extra push along the parcours.
"Now I will try to do something good in the road race tomorrow, but we will see. I will do my best. I accomplished my main goal and today I am happy."
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