Main goal in Tour Colombia: Stage victory Israel Start-Up Nation’s
– Israel SUN starts with local hero Ávila in Colombia
– Swiss stars Badilatti and Schelling go for GC
– ISN aims for stage win with sprint train
The Colombians love cycling and therefore Israel Start-Up Nation loves Colombia too. In the last few years, ISN competed in the Vuelta a Colombia and Director Sportive Rene Andrle is excited about being back on Colombian soil.
“I was here twice and there are so many cycling enthusiastic people around here. This year we start in Boyacá, which is literally the home base of Colombian cycling. As we will also go to the town where Tour de France-winner Egan Bernal was born, I expect amazing crowds.”
LOCAL HERO ÁVILA MOTIVATED FOR RACE ON HOME SOIL
In the six-day stage race, starting with a team time trial and finishing with a climbing stage, there are (theoretically) four chances for sprinters, but the high altitude of every stage might change expected results.
“ISN is looking for success in those flat stages with sprinters like Itamar Einhorn, Travis McCabe and Edwin Ávila. We hope to get a podium spot with Ávila too”, says Andrle.
Edwin Ávila is stoked about doing ‘his own’ Vuelta a Colombia again. “I am always extra motivated for this race.”
MCCABE AND EINHORN RECOVERED FROM SAN JUAN (CRASHES)
McCabe and Einhorn, who both crashed in the Vuelta a San Juan last week, have recovered, and are looking forward to the sprints. Einhorn: “I just don’t hope to be out of air when sprinting, or helping out my teammates, during the important moments of the race, because of the altitude.”
Also McCabe is curious how his body responds to the races which are above 2300m. “That won’t stop me from giving 100%. Personally, I want to win one of the three sprint stages here.”
SWISS MOUNTAIN GOATS ON HIGH ALTITUDE
Also Swiss climber Patrick Schelling agrees: “Unlike the Colombians, I never raced on such high altitudes. I am not sure what to expect, but I hope to show a good performance anyway.”
Schelling is one of the two ISN Swiss mountain goats racing in Colombia. They will battle with the Colombian climbing stars for the GC. “Of course that is going to be a great challenge for them, with all the Colombians at the start”, says Andrle.
COLOMBIAN CROWDS
Everyone is enjoying to Vuelta a Colombia so far, just like DS Andrle does. “It’s amazing”, says Einhorn. “Everyone on the street is amazed to meet a pro cyclist and always curious, respectful and cheering! It’s very fun!” McCabe adds: “I’ve spent time in Medellin before and this year we also visit new places. I just love the people, the culture and the food, and actually everything Colombia has to offer.”
Line-Up Israel Start-Up Nation:
Edwin Ávila 🇨🇴
Itamar Einhorn 🇮🇱
Matteo Badilatti 🇨🇭
Patrick Schelling 🇨🇭
Travis McCabe 🇺🇸
Daniel Turek 🇨🇿
DS: Rene Andrle 🇨🇿
Vuelta a Colombia (2.1):
11/02 – 16/02
Pictures: BettiniPhoto
