After a solid Spring Classics campaign, the Colombian will now turn his attention to his Grand Tour debut.
A stage winner in all the races he's done since the start of the season (Vuelta a San Juan, Volta ao Algarve and Tirreno-Adriatico) and top 10 finisher at Milano-Sanremo and Gent-Wevelgem – two of the most important classics of the calendar – Fernando Gaviria has decided in agreement with the team to return to Colombia and begin his preparations for Giro d'Italia, which will mark his maiden start in a three-week race.
"Fernando made another step in his apprenticeship in the one-day races, and now the time has come for him to recover and focus on the Giro d'Italia. We consider his first part of the season a successful one: he racked up four wins and was in the top 10 at both Classics he's done. By going home now, he will have plenty of time to take benefit of the altitude in native Colombia and build a nice training schedule for the Giro, which will mark another step in his development", said Patrick Lefevere, Quick-Step Floors' CEO.
Just 22 years of age, Fernando Gaviria impressed this spring and showed again the class and talent that have helped him rise up the rankings and establish himself as one of the top talents of the pro peloton. After showing he can be up there with the sprinters as well as the classics men, the South American is looking forward to the next challenge.
"It's been a nice experience to be again part of Quick-Step Floors' classics team. Finishing Sanremo in the top 5 and coming ninth at Gent-Wevelgem was really special. I got to learn better the roads of Belgium and to understand how things work in these races. I wish my teammates all the best for Flanders and Roubaix, and I hope Tom will get his fifth Roubaix. For me, the Giro d'Italia has become the top priority and my desire is to line out at the start fresh and focused, so starting my training early in April is the best decision."
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