In some cases, placements have a particular value. Einer's Blond al Tour of Italy, finished in seventh position is very precious because certifies the entry of the twenty-six year old Colombian from Chiquiza among the riders who have an established value in the Grand Tours and in today's cycling that's no small thing. It's not even a small thing in the economy of his team, the Movistar, who with him finds a valid alternative to Enric a Mas (typical old farm), Tour-oriented.
Few people know, however, that there is a lot of Italy in Rubio, who has been living and training in Campania for seven years now: «I arrived as a junior – he says – finding a space atAran Cucine Vejus, a company from Benevento. Even then, Italian youth cycling was seen as an excellent way to gain experience and establish oneself. But I never thought that my relationship would go further and that I would find love there. The team president also became my father-in-lawI have settled in Pago Veiano and I really feel at home."
It was quite a leap for you coming from overseas…
I immediately felt at home, I was born and raised in the countryside and the small size of a provincial town is ideal for me. Furthermore, the roads here are not very busy, ideal for training also in terms of altimetry., there are some nice tears.
You have a good bond with the Giro d'Italia. Last year you almost reached the Top 10 by winning the stage of Crans-MontanaThis year, you achieved a higher ranking but no partial successes. What's better?
Honestly, I'm happier this year. Last season's 11th place was mainly the result of a long breakaway, this time however I almost always remained in the thick of the action., in contact with the strongest riders (except one, of course...). I was aiming for a place in the general classification, also because winning a stage like this is more difficult: last year it was much easier to break away, this time I was "closely marked"...
You were there last year, but he wasn't there pogacar, how much has his presence changed, beyond the victory?
A lot in the economy of the race. There was an absolute master, him and his team, and not a leaf moved without their decision. The breakaway only made sense if they gave the green light, not if they chased. This made the race more regimented, last year anything could have happened.But Slovenian is truly in a different league.
How were things going before the Giro?
Pretty good, I followed pretty much the same schedule as last year so that I was already in good shape at the start. Stage races such as the Volta Valenciana (which effectively replaced last year's South American stage), the Uae Tour and Catalunya were ideal for honing one's preparation., then I returned to Colombia to do the necessary high altitude training and returned just in time for the departure of Venaria Reale. Everything worked out.
Your result also gives Colombian cycling some breathing space, which has recently showcased fewer talents than in the past. Do you think Bernal's event has had a repercussion?
A little bit, yes. There are strong riders, there's a lot of quality. The problem is structural and Bernal with his successes he covered a bit of everything. It's difficult for young people to find opportunities, because it means having to leave, to compete you have to pay in our area And the lack of a reference team is felt. For me, it was important not only to come to Italy, but to then find a team like Movistar, ideal for me, a real family where they even speak the same language as me. It's the best team I could have wished for.
Did you experience any difficult moments at the Giro?
Certainly on the occasion of the two crashes, with the rain and the uneven terrain on the dirt roads. I had to chase and I was so afraid that all my attempts would be in vain., especially the opportunity you had to be with the best.
Where will we see you again?
The post-pink race holidays are already over, I'm waiting for the Tour of Switzerland where I will race for the general classification aiming to exploit the condition I have developed over the three weeks. Then we will have to decide what to do for the second part of the season.
Will you return to the Vuelta like last year?
The program should be this, but I would like to test myself in the one-day classicsWhen I arrived in Italy I saw that the calendar was made up almost exclusively of races of that type and I felt quite comfortable, I think that in certain races I could have my say, let's say I'd like to give it a try.
But given the Zurich route, are you thinking about the World Championships?
More than just a little thought… I'll talk about it with the coach, if he wants me then I'll prepare the race with great attention. Wearing the national team jersey is a huge honor and I certainly wouldn't go down that path just to be an extra...
