So where are the Colombians in the Protour?

[Ryo Hazuki]

Didn't Botero get screwed over money wise when he went to Kelme? IIRC when he mentioned that the money wasn't enough, he was then told that it was a millionaires wage back in Colombia (which was odd considering his DS who said that, his wife was Colombian).

Don't think I understand exactly what you said. but Botero got paid a lousy 1000 dollars a month in his first 3 years and he had to pay for all the extra costs. So he was kind of screwed yes, but later on in his kelme career he got better pay but still when telekom offered him the big money he went.

 

[Escarabajo]

Top 3 on GC at the Girobio as of yesterday are Colombian. Give it a couple of years and maybe they'll start popping up and out of the dark like mushrooms.

OK. So which one is it?

- Colombians had a better medical program that the Europeans? Right, give a break. They are in Italy for God's sake.
- The other top contenders were riding clean while the Colombian team was the only one dirty? Come on.
- Very tight rules and regulations for all the riders. So even if you tried something it would have been very limited. Besides they all got scare by the raids. So maybe the Colombians were the only sneaky ones. Please.

Now the Europeans are the victims.

 

[Barrus]

OK. So which one is it?

- Colombians had a better medical program that the Europeans? Right, give a break. They are in Italy for God's sake.
- The other top contenders were riding clean while the Colombian team was the only one dirty? Come on.
- Very tight rules and regulations for all the riders. So even if you tried something it would have been very limited. Besides they all got scare by the raids. So maybe the Colombians were the only sneaky ones. Please.

Now the Europeans are the victims.

I don't think he meant doping-wise, he probably meant that we are more likely to see more Colombian riders in the european peloton

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

just to point out: there's never been a colombian cyclist caught on doping in europe EVER. which is incredible when you consider how many riders have been caught on doping in the past decades. the reason for that is that colombia is a very proud country that are very self conscious about their image in the rest of the world. to be a colombian or to ride for colombia is an honor you can't describe therefore you shall never fail that honor. it's nearly as extreme as with japanese. you will never find a japanese sporter taking doping, never.

 

[L'arriviste]

I don't think he meant doping-wise, he probably meant that we are more likely to see more Colombian riders in the european peloton

Barrus is right, I did mean just that. We should see a few more of these guys in a few years, perhaps even next year.

 

[Potomac]

just to point out: there's never been a colombian cyclist caught on doping in europe EVER. which is incredible when you consider how many riders have been caught on doping in the past decades. the reason for that is that colombia is a very proud country that are very self conscious about their image in the rest of the world. to be a colombian or to ride for colombia is an honor you can't describe therefore you shall never fail that honor. it's nearly as extreme as with japanese. you will never find a japanese sporter taking doping, never.

You do know there's thing called Google, right?

 

[Escarabajo]

Barrus is right, I did mean just that. We should see a few more of these guys in a few years, perhaps even next year.

Oooops. Then I take it back.

No problem then. I need to practice in my english.

 

[Angliru]

I think most of them are back at their hotel doing a few lines..

That's comparable to saying all the NBA players are back at the hotel eating fried chicken and watermelon. Disappointing to say the least. I'm certain given the chance you'd retract that post, at least I would hope so.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

CQ reports that Carlos Betancour will be riding with Acqua e Sapone next year.

 

[ericthesportsman6]

CQ reports that Carlos Betancour will be riding with Acqua e Sapone next year.

He's an awesome talent, interesting that Acqua e Sapone also got baby giro winner Sarimento last season.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

They also tried to get Duarte last year. Perhaps they can this year now there are more Colombians coming in. Duarte is a potential GT winner no doubt.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

They also tried to get Duarte last year. Perhaps they can this year now there are more Colombians coming in. Duarte is a potential GT winner no doubt.

The Giro could be about to get (even more) interesting.

Here's hoping for a monolithic stage like this:
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/it/moena/512127711656637439

That's, in order:
Passo San Pellegrino
Passo Giaù
Passo Falzarego
Passo Fedaia
Passo Sella
Passo Gardena
Passo Campolongo
Passo Pordoi
Over 174km.

Go on Zomegnan. You know you want to.

 

[Escarabajo]

CQ reports that Carlos Betancour will be riding with Acqua e Sapone next year.

Not really. Maybe Ryo Hazuki is right after all. These Colombians don't want to leave the Country if it is not with a Colombian team.

http://www.revistamundociclistico.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7566&Itemid=74

 

[Libertine Seguros]

I only said what was reported. Looks like the sources jumped the gun a bit, and Ryo's statements take on a bit more credence than they already had.

 

[Escarabajo]

For the Colombians in the Protour, it has been going from bad to worse. Soler is not part of the Caisse's team for the Tour, and now I am hearing that Duque has been downgraded to replacement in the Cofidis.

If this is true, then it would be 27 years from the last time that the Tour de France did not have a Colombian. If it was because of lack of talent I would accept it gracefully but it is not because of that. The Protour has truly killed cycling for us internationally. Note that our cyclists are not built to be 1 day racers and we depend heavily on the GT presentations.

I think the badger (Hinault) was right when he expressed that the Protour is a bad thing for the Tour. It has teams that have to impact whatsoever in the race. I can assure you that a team built of South Americans would be a lot better than a few teams that are riding the Tour right now.

He’s similarly unimpressed with the Protour concept, in that it guarantees teams entry to many races rather than forcing them to fight for the right to participate. He believes this leads to staleness, a lack of aggression, and is not healthy for the sport.

“Today being in the Protour buys the right to take part in races,” he said. “This is not a question of results, but rather a story about money. Some teams are on a stroll. Cycling should be organized as football is, with a system of promotion and regulation. Tomorrow, perhaps we could see the Chinese or the Indians wanting to race. Without the Protour, we would open the doors for them.

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/3...ive-minutes-advantage-still-win-the-Tour.aspx

 

[Libertine Seguros]

For the Colombians in the Protour, it has been going from bad to worse. Soler is not part of the Caisse's team for the Tour, and now I am hearing that Duque has been downgraded to replacement in the Cofidis.

If this is true, then it would be 27 years from the last time that the Tour de France did not have a Colombian. If it was because of lack of talent I would accept it gracefully but it is not because of that. The Protour has truly killed cycling for us internationally. Note that our cyclists are not built to be 1 day racers and we depend heavily on the GT presentations.

To be fair to Caisse d'Epargne though, Soler was meant to be in the lineup but hasn't recovered from injury. Urán was at the Giro and will likely be at the Vuelta. Most of the others that make it to Europe go to Italian teams which never get Tour invites.

 

[Barrus]

To be fair to Caisse d'Epargne though, Soler was meant to be in the lineup but hasn't recovered from injury. Urán was at the Giro and will likely be at the Vuelta. Most of the others that make it to Europe go to Italian teams which never get Tour invites.

This makes me wonder, what is it about the Italians teams that interest the Colombians more than the other European teams, or are it mainly the Italian teams that seek the Colombians?

 

[Escarabajo]

This makes me wonder, what is it about the Italians teams that interest the Colombians more than the other European teams, or are it mainly the Italian teams that seek the Colombians?

I also wonder about that. The past decade it was the Spanish teams, but now it is the Italian teams (??).

 

[armstrong4ever]

Carlos Betancour results:

1st Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23
2nd World Championships U23
1st Giro d'Italia u27

...and he is only 20 years old.

He could be a new phenomenon, (like Peter Sagan) if he goes to Europe. Must be some ProTour squads who are willing to pay alot for this guy.

 

[Escarabajo]

Carlos Betancour results:

1st Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23
2nd World Championships U23
1st Giro d'Italia u27

...and he is only 20 years old.

He could be a new phenomenon, (like Peter Sagan) if he goes to Europe. Must be some ProTour squads who are willing to pay alot for this guy.

That's very nice.

What about Fabio Duarte. This one is straight from Wiki:

2003
1º in Colombia National Championship, Track, Pursuit, Juniors, Colombia, Duitama (COL)
2º in Colombia National Championship, Track, Madison, Juniors, Colombia, Duitama (COL)
2005
3º in Stage 2 Clásica Nacional Ciudad de Anapoima, Anapoima (COL)
1º in Vuelta a la Sabana (COL)
1º in Prologue Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Paipa (COL)
2º in Stage 2 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Cucaita (COL)
1º in Stage 3 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Jenesano (COL)
3º in Stage 5 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Zipaquira (COL)
1º in General Classification Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23 (COL)
1º in Stage 4 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Chiquinquirá (COL)
2006
3º in Stage 3 Vuelta al Valle del Cauca, Restrepo (COL)
1º in Stage 1 Clásica Nacional Ciudad de Anapoima, Anapoima (COL)
2º in Stage 3 Clásica Nacional Ciudad de Anapoima, Anapoima (COL)
1º in Stage 2 Clásica Nacional Ciudad de Anapoima, Anapoima (COL)
1º in General Classification Clásica Nacional Ciudad de Anapoima (COL)
1º in Colombia National Championship, Road, ITT, U23, Colombia, Popayán (COL)
3º in Colombia National Championship, Road, U23, Colombia, Popayán (COL)
1º in Prologue Clasica International de Tulcan (ECU)
2º in Stage 2 Clasica International de Tulcan (ECU)
1º in General Classification Clasica International de Tulcan (ECU)
1º in Prologue Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Montenegro en el Quindio. (COL)
1º in Stage 1 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Pijao (COL)
1º in Stage 5 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, La Magdalena (COL)
1º in General Classification Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23 (COL)
1º in Prologue Clásica Nacional Marco Fidel Suárez (COL)
3º in Stage 2 Clásica Nacional Marco Fidel Suárez (COL)
3º in Stage 3 Clásica Nacional Marco Fidel Suárez (COL)
2º in General Classification Clásica Nacional Marco Fidel Suárez (COL)
2º in Stage 1 Vuelta a Colombia, San Cristobal (COL)
1º in Stage 10 Vuelta a Colombia, Buga (COL)
alongside Alejandro Cortés, Jhon García, Javier Alberto González, Herbert Gutiérrez, Edwin Parra, Juan Diego Ramírez, Daniel Rincón, and Javier Zapata
2º in Stage 14 Vuelta a Colombia, Alto del Escobero (COL)
2007
2º in Stage 3 Clasica del Meta (COL)
1º in Stage 12 Vuelta a Colombia, Agua de Dios (COL)
3º in Stage 14 Vuelta a Colombia, Bogotá (COL)
2008
1º in Stage 2 Circuito de Combita, Combita (COL)
1º in Stage 2 Clásica Nacional Ciudad de Anapoima, Anapoima (COL)
3º in General Classification Clásica Nacional Ciudad de Anapoima (COL)
1º in Prologue Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Florencia (COL)
2º in Stage 2 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Tres Esquinas (COL)
3º in Stage 3 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Ibagué (COL)
2º in General Classification Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23 (COL)
3º in Stage 6 Vuelta a Colombia Sub-23, Manizales (COL)
1º in World Championships, Road, U23, Varese (ITA)
3º in Colombia National Championships, Road, ITT, Elite, Colombia, Cali (COL)
2009
2º in Stage 1 Clasica International de Tulcan, Tulcán (ECU)
1º in Stage 2 Clasica International de Tulcan, Tulcán (ECU)
1º in Stage 3 Clasica International de Tulcan, Alto de Guagua Negro (ECU)
1º in General Classification Clasica International de Tulcan (ECU)
3º in Stage 2 Vuelta a Antioquia, San Antonio de Prado (COL)
4º in Stage 2 Vuelta a Colombia, Ibagué (COL)
1º in Stage 3 Vuelta a Colombia, Ibagué (COL)
1º in Stage 2 Tour des Pyrénées-Vuelta a los Pirineos, Arreau (FRA)
4º in Stage 3 Tour des Pyrénées-Vuelta a los Pirineos, Cauterets (FRA)
1º in General Classification Tour des Pyrénées-Vuelta a los Pirineos (FRA)

And he just won Circuito Montañes in spain

 

[craig1985]

What has happened with Mauricio Alberto Ardila Cano? I remember that he had a strong ride at the 2005 Giro for Davitamon-Lotto, and then broke his contract to join Rabobank where he has remained ever since. His best result was a 3rd place at the Eschborn-Frankfurt City Loop (2008 IIRC).

I've always had a lot of time for Victor Hugo Pena, even though he sold his soul to ride the Tour de France for USPS. His biography (A significant other) by Matt Rendell is one of my favourite cycling books.

 

[theyoungest]

What has happened with Mauricio Alberto Ardila Cano? I remember that he had a strong ride at the 2005 Giro for Davitamon-Lotto, and then broke his contract to join Rabobank where he has remained ever since. His best result was a 3rd place at the Eschborn-Frankfurt City Loop (2008 IIRC).

I've always had a lot of time for Victor Hugo Pena, even though he sold his soul to ride the Tour de France for USPS. His biography (A significant other) by Matt Rendell is one of my favourite cycling books.

Ardila has been a domestique for Rabo, most of the time. This Giro basically every Rabo rider was free to try and do a good GC, and Ardila did... more or less.

 

[Escarabajo]

I don't mean to bump this one, but I appreciate Cyclingnews for writing an article about the absenteeism of Colombians in the Tour after 27 years".

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-to-depart-with-no-colombians

 

[Climbing]

Anyone knows any streaming of Colombian races?
It would be very interesting to follow those guys!

 

[Escarabajo]

Anyone knows any streaming of Colombian races?
It would be very interesting to follow those guys!

I usually get highlights from this link:

http://www.revistamundociclistico.com/

I know that Señal Colombia which is the public channel everynow and then broadcast some pieces of the La Vuelta a Colombia.

http://www.senalcolombia.tv/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=29

Other than that most of low income people from Colombia follow the sport by radio since the 50's. It is a tradition. That's how my uncle who first introduced me to cycling used to follow it in the late 70's and early 80's.