Rigoberto Uran will lead EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale’s efforts at Colombia’s newest race, Oro y Paz.
Nate Brown, Julian Cardona, Hugh Carthy, Alex Howes, and Daniel Martinez will join Uran. The field for the “Gold and Peace” race is a homecoming for top-tier Colombian riders. The start list includes Nairo Quintana, Fernando Gaviria, Sergio and Sebastian Henao, Egan Bernal, Jarlinson Pantano, and Darwin Atapuma.
Oro y Paz runs from Monday February 6 until Sunday February 11. The opening stage begins in Palmira and the race concludes with the summit finish of Manizales.
“I’m very happy because it’s the first time we’re going to do a race in Colombia. It’s been many years since we’ve raced in Colombia — approximately 11 years, and I’m really excited to find myself with the Colombian public again,” Uran said. “It’s beautiful and wonderful, and it’s going to serve Colombia well.”
The route, based in western Colombia, offers something for each type of rider. There’s three flat stages for sprinters to open up the race before a tick upward in the second half, notably on the final stage summit finish.
“We have Rigoberto there, and you know how Rigoberto is outside of Colombia, so you can imagine how many people are waiting for Rigo and the other Colombians who don’t normally race in Colombia — it’s going to be really interesting,” Directeur Sportif Juan Manuel Garate said. “We have three days with uphill finishes, three days of opportunities. I’m really enthusiastic. I saw the riders climbing at camp and they look really, really nice.”
“I’m super excited to start the season down here in Colombia. This is my first time to Colombia, and having Rigo on the team in his home country — I think we are in for a real treat,” said Nate Brown.
Alex Howes echoed Brown’s sentiment: “This place is absolutely amazing,” he said shortly after his arrival in Colombia. “I’m looking forward to helping Rigo put on a show for his home crowd. I’m also looking forward to improving my Spanish with three Colombians and an all Spanish-speaking staff down here.”
EF Education First-Drapac for the 2018 Oro y Paz:
Nate Brown (USA)
Julian Cardona (COL)
Hugh Carthy (GBR)
Alex Howes (USA)
Daniel Martinez (COL)
Rigoberto Uran (COL)
