Trevigiani Phonix Hemus 1896 proved to be among the most competitive teams in the first edition of Colombia Oro y Paz. The stage race staged from 6th to 11th February gave the possibilities to young riders directed by Mirko Rossato to compete in the highest category and to discover a country deeply in love with cycling.
Driven by the warmth of the large public at the side of the road the boys were protagonists every day in the attacks and on the finish line. Applause above all to the performance of Manuel Peñalver, who in his second race among professionals, sprinted with the best showing uncommon character and legs. The 19-years-old from Torrevieja in the first three days of the race threw himself without fear, collecting three top ten (he finished 10th the first stage, 9th the second and 7th the third).
On the following days, when space was given to the mountain, Javier Ignacio “Nacho” Montoya highlighted. In his nation, he turned the passion of the fans into energy to climb the most difficult heights side by side with great champions like local idol Nairo Quintana. The 20-years-old from Medellin ended 27th in the general classification at 3’52” from the winner and compatriot Egan Bernal.
«This race represented a further step forward to understand the merits and defects of our boys. The qualities to work on are unquestioned and now it’s clear on which aspects we must focus on. On the race tactical interpretation, considering the young age of our riders, we can improve a lot. We have great potential, I’m confident for the next races waiting for us» comments team manager Mirko Rossato.
After the South American campaign, the team will now return to Italy for the officialpresentation scheduled for Sunday, February 18th in Treviso. The blue-white-black jersey riders will be back racing the 25th of February in Slovenia at GP Izola.
photos Dario Belingheri / ©BettiniPhoto
