In Montecampione dreaming of the GIro
When an athlete chooses to spend the final day of the year going on recognition on a key climb of the upcoming Giro d’Italia, it’s no hard to tell what his approach to the next season will be: on the attack. That athlete is Fabio Duarte, the leader of Team Colombia, who at 2013 Giro d’Italia had his best days in – quoting his own words – a below par season, particularly compared to his expectations, looking to light up the Escarabajos’ hopes and ambitions ahead of their third season in the Pro Continental ranks, as well as those of their many fans around the World.
On December 31st, Fabio Duarte rode his Wilier Triestina Zero7, followed by General Manager Claudio Corti in the Team Car, to the top of the Montecampione climb, one of the highlights of the 97th Giro d’Italia, where the 15th stage’s finish will be set on May 25th. Team Colombia is in the bid for one of the three still-available wild cards to enter the Corsa Rosa: RCS Sport will unveil the Escarabajos’ fate in a matter of days, but Duarte is already at work to be ready for the challenge.
A different winter
It was a special Winter for Fabio, his first away of his home Country – Colombia: Fabio chose to remain in Italy, where he lives throughout the competitive season, with his family on his side. In 2013, Fabio married his beloved Daniela, and became a father for the first time: his daughter Marianella came to light on December 26th. Despite going through plenty of big changes, a great serenity reveals out of Fabio’s words.
“It is true, I am as serene and focused as ever in my life – Varese 2008 Under 23 World Champion said -, I am training hard and I am experiencing the best feelings I have ever had at this time of the year. Some might think that staying in Italy would have been a disadvantage, but it really was not the case here: I could focus on my preparation only, keeping everyday contact with Claudio Corti and our Sports Directors. Last year, I could tell something wasn’t working to plan in Winter time already, and being away from my family all the way through the season distracted me more than it should.”
“This time out, it’s an all-new story: in these months I was able to make the best for myself as a rider, working hard to hit the ground running, starting at the Tour de San Luis. The climate and weather is different in Italy than in Colombia, but that did not affect me a bit: on the other hand, I could enjoy a deal of tranquility and serenity that is really making a huge difference.”
Debut in San Luis
On Friday, January 3rd, Fabio will fly to Bogotà, where he will train for two weeks ahead of joining the team in Argentina for the season debut. “I have never raced in San Luis before, I know many first-tier athletes have been starting their season there in the last few season, and that will be the case this time too. It will be a useful comparison: no one will be in top condition yet, but personally I hope to provide a good performance – it would be important for me.”
“Giro, we believe”
The real goals will come later in the season: “Everyone in the team hopes to be back to the Giro, and we honestly believe in our chances. Though there is a number of strong teams with a chance, I believe Team Colombia provided a good solid performance in 2013, and we would deserve to be selected again. We only missed a stage win, and we want a second chance to grab it. Montecampione? Why not: it would be a nice one to dedicate to Marianella…”
