Victor Hugo Peña stresses importance of project
After the unveiling of the team bike earlier today, the Colombia Coldeportes squad has released images of the jersey its riders will use in 2012, its first season in the peloton. The mainly black kit includes the national colours of Colombia, as well as the logos of the main sponsor, bike supplier Bianchi and the clothing manufacturer, Nalini.
The squad is currently taking part in a three day camp in Bogota, where the riders and staff are getting acquainted, plans are being made for the season ahead and where physiological testing was carried out today.
Former Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Victor Hugo Peña reports himself pleased with things thus far, and is looking forward to the year ahead. “This is an extremely important project that is going to give young Colombian riders a great chance to express their potential,” he said. “We are extremely happy and looking forward to tackle this new season, in which we will face the reality of European cycling.”
In acknowledging that reality, he believes the team will meet the challenge. “We are definitely confident we can be competitive at this level,” he said.
General manager Claudio Corti is overseeing what will be a team comprised completely of Colombia riders. His son was at one point expected to be part of the squad, but the desire to have a team consisting solely of competitors from the South American country meant that the Italian must look elsewhere.
That may well be for the best, as it will remove any questions that his judgement might have been affected by having a family member as part of the setup. Corti senior explained the reason for the kit design, which was displayed by the 25 year old rider Carlos Julian Quintero (pictured). “We thought over the team’s look for a long time, and we finally chose this jersey that will strongly characterize our team,” he said. “It mirrors the personality we want this climbing and fighting bunch of riders to show.”
The final day of the Bogota camp is tomorrow; the riders will then meet up towards the end of January, getting in some more work prior to beginning the season.
The team is seeking invitations to many big events, and has indicated that it hopes to ride a Grand Tour in its first season.