The 23-year-old will race the Vuelta a San Juan in January, before traveling to his home country for the inaugural edition of Colombia Oro y Paz.
In 2015, Fernando Gaviria was a fresh face on the cycling landscape, but that changed once he took the Tour de San Luis by storm, winning two stages in spectacular fashion. Three years on, the Colombian is one of the peloton's stars, earning acclaim for his powerful sprint and unmatchable speed, traits who've landed him no less than 23 victories – including four Giro d'Italia stages and the cyclamen jersey – since joining Quick-Step Floors.
One of the most successful riders of 2017, a year which he started in South America and ended in Asia, with 14 wins in the bag, Fernando Gaviria resumed training after a well-deserved rest at home, as he is preparing for the upcoming season, which will see him debut at the Vuelta a San Juan (21-28 January).
"Racing in Argentina is something very special for me, because it was here that the door to a pro contract opened, back in 2015. I won five times in my previous outings here, I like everything – from the race to the fantastic support and warm welcome we are always getting from the fans – and I can't wait to return there in January and hopefully kick off the year on the right foot again", said Fernando when questioned about his presence at the start of the 36th Vuelta a San Juan.
From there, the Quick-Step Floors rider will fly to Colombia, where he'll line out for the Colombia Oro y Paz, a new entry on the UCI calendar. The 2.1 race will take place between 6 and 11 February and the sprinters will have several chances to shine during the week, but for Fernando it will be about more than fighting for victories there.
"I can't tell you how proud I am to race in front of my family, my friends and countrymen as a pro in a stage race, especially one which is at its debut. I rode here once in the past, at last season's National Championships, but this time it will be a completely different story and just thinking about it gives me huge joy; it's something I've dreamt about when I was younger and just picked up cycling. There's still some weeks to go until the start of the season, but I'm already counting the days left until I'll race in my country", concluded Fernando, who on January 9th will attend the team's presentation in Calpe, before flying to South America to commence his third season in the Quick-Step Floors kit.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
