Colombian Cyclists Ready to Shine in Giro d’Italia

Colombian cyclists have already made their presence felt at the 2024 Giro d’Italia, starting the competition with strong performances. Daniel Martinez, Colombia’s time-trial champion and one of the favorites for this year’s competition, is currently third in the general classification after the third stage.

With the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana, the Giro d’Italia is one of the most prestigious cycling stage races in the world. Set in Italy, the race began on Saturday in Venaria Reale, near Turin, and will continue until Sunday, May 26, concluding in Rome.

Colombians in the Giro d’Italia

A total of six cyclists from Colombia are participating in the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Alongside Daniel Martinez, also competing are Einer Rubio, ranked 97th in the UCI world rankings, and Esteban Chaves, the 2023 Colombian road race champion. They are currently placed fourth and eleventh in the general classification, respectively. Other Colombian racers include the legendary Nairo Quintana, along with Fernando Gaviria and Juan Sebastian Molano.

The riders have already completed the third stage, and the tour’s favorite, Slovenian Tadej Pogacar, took the pink leader’s jersey following his victory in the second stage.

Cycling in Colombia

Cycling is extremely popular in Colombia, with the country’s mountainous terrain providing an ideal environment for nurturing young talent. In recent years, Colombian cyclists have shone in the major tours. Notably, Egan Bernal became the first Colombian to win the Tour de France in 2019 and later claimed the Giro d’Italia in 2021.

However, Egan Bernal, along with Santiago Buitrago, another leading figure of Colombian cycling, are not participating in this year’s Giro d’Italia, since they are preparing for the Tour de France which starts at the end of June.