Rock Racing’s Sevilla Second While Botero Bows Out
El Socorro, Colombia — While Rock
Racing’s Oscar Sevilla narrowly missed out on a victory on Stage 2
Monday at the Vuelta a Colombia, his teammate, Santiago Botero, retired
from the race, citing fatigue and a desire to do well at the Olympics.
Botero
had claimed victory in Saturday’s prologue time trial, leading Rock
Racing to a 1-2-3-4 sweep. But the race’s defending champion is looking
ahead to an even bigger goal – success in the Olympic Games in Beijing
later this year.
“Santiago
has been training super hard since November of last year to win the
Tour of California – a race he unfortunately was not even allowed to
start,” Rock Racing Team Director Mariano Friedrick said. “Fortunately,
he had enough fuel in his tank to win Redlands and do a very good job
at the Tour de Georgia. Ultimately, he knew he didn't have the form to
win this Vuelta and mentally he needs a rest.”
While
Botero withdrew at the 37-mile mark (60 km), Monday’s stage was
well-suited to an on-form Sevilla, who finished third in the prologue.
With temperatures soaring over the century mark and high humidity, the
peloton was reduced to fewer than 40 riders by the time the final
25-mile (40 km) climb began. Rock Racing was well-represented with both
Sevilla and Victor Hugo Peña – who finished second in the prologue.
“Oscar looked relaxed and composed at all times, and under no circumstances was he in trouble,” Friedrick said.
Sevilla
bided his time on the final ascent, covering several attacks in the
closing kilometers before making a go of it on his won with 300 meters
left, only to be passed by Jhon Freddy García (UNE) just before the
finish line.
The
result did not significantly change the overall standings, though, and
Sevilla remains in sixth place, 42 seconds behind overall leader Carlos
Ospina (GW-Shimano-EPM).
Tuesday’s
Stage 3 departs from Piedecuesta and finishes 103 miles later (136.4
km) after passing over three categorized climbs, including a Category 1
ascent.
The major mountains on Monday's 84.7-mile (136.4 km) stage didn't seem to bother Rock Racing's Oscar Sevilla.
Santiago
Botero won Saturday's prologue in spectacular fashion, but the Rock
Racing rider wasn't faring as well on the long climbs.
Rock Racing's Santiago Botero withdrew from the race, citing fatigue and a desire to rest for the Olympics.
Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) is edged at the finish line of Stage 2 by Jhon Freddy García (UNE)