Last year Rigoberto Urán (Sky) was one of the revelations of the Giro d’Italia finishing seventh overall and winning the best young rider competition. Impressive as they are, these results have not, however, enhanced Urán’s personal ambitions for this year’s Italian Grand Tour.  

Urán confirmed he will enter this year’s race devoid of personal objectives, focusing instead on his supporting capacity for Sky Pro Cycling team leader Bradley Wiggins.

“My objectives and my mentality differ compared to last year,” the Colombian told Spanish sports daily Marca. “Wiggins is the leader and I haven’t got that pressure.”

Given his extravagant abilities in the mountains, Urán will be an essential part of the Sky strategy to aid Wiggins on the steep climbs that feature in the Giro itinerary this year.

“I am very focused on working on the mountain stages. My preparation has been good and the team will start in good shape. Sergio [Henao], Kosta [Siutsou] and me will be the riders who will have to be with and work for Wiggins in the mountains, especially during the final week, which is really hard,” Urán explained. “It will be three weeks of hard work. Besides the Giro is… the Giro – it’s a bit of a madman’s race and you always have to be attentive.”

Urán explained that he completed the ground-laying parts of his preparation for the Giro prior to the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Classic, and that he has spent the time since that race settling down in his new residence in Monaco and keeping his form at its pinnacle. “I’ve enjoyed the training here because it’s a nice area with lots of climbs and the weather is better than in Italy, and it’s hotter.”

Urán said he is expecting to ride the Vuelta later in the season, perhaps in a supportive role but also with liberty to seek stage wins in the mountains.