Colombia cyclist Nairo Quintana has declared that this year’s Giro d’Italia was “made for Colombia,” after maintaining his position at the head of the race, with fellow Colombian Julian Arredondo winning the day’s stage.
Nairo Quintana maintained the race leader’s famous pink jersey in the race after coming 10th on Thursday’s stage 18. Julian Arredondo, meanwhile, enjoyed his first Grand Tour stage victory as Colombia continued their domination of this years Giro.
Made for Colombia
The result led 24 year old Quintana to proclaim that this year’s Giro was “made for Colombia.”
MORE: Nairo Quintana’s rise from poor peasant’s son to Colombia’s cycling hero
“As we can see on the podium this is a Giro d’Italia made for Colombia, I am very happy for the victory of Julian Arredondo, who furthermore now has the mountain jersey which further highlights the Colombians,” said Quintana after the race.
To add further glory to Colombia’s success, Fabio Duarte, a fellow countryman, was in second place, 17 seconds behind his compatriot.
Quintana, who rides for Team Movistar, said that the whole team had, “very good legs,” and praised the team for controlling the race well.
Rigoberto Uran second overall
One of the race’s top leaders, Cadel Evans of Australia, was the big loser of the day as he dropped from 3rd place to 9th, and as a result Quintana’s closest rival is yet another Colombian, Rigoberto Uran, 1:41 behind.
MORE: Colombia’s Nairo Quintana replaces compatriot Rigoberto Uran as leader of Giro d’Italia
Rigoberto Uran celebrated the “big day” for Colombia on Twitter.
Otro gran día para Colombia en el #giro así es vamos súper bien… Gracias amigos por todos esos mensajes que recibo cada día!!!
— Rigoberto Urán (@UranRigoberto) May 29, 2014
The race is set to conclude after the 21st stage in Trieste, Italy on Sunday.
Sources
- GIRO, A PANAROTTA VINCE ARREDONDO. QUINTANA RESTA IN MAGLIA ROSA (Giro d’Italia)
