The Vuelta de la Juventud made us better
Two bike riders in the top-40 of general classification, protagonist in special sprints and breakaways were the final balance of our debut. Additionally personal, human and organizational learning, are our main reason to be proud.
We are very proud of the teamwork done at the Vuelta de la Juventud Ministerio del Deporte 2020 in Meta. It was our first time in the most important U-23 competition in Colombia. We participated together with our French partner: FUN and Team INCA, a French team subsidiary of Ag2r (World Tour).
For Diomedes Velandia, Sergio Granados (stage 4 special sprint winner), Nicolás Borrás and Luis Mario Marmolejo, this is a very enriching experience that shapes character. In the overall ranking, two of them were placed in the top-40: Granados (38) and Velandia (39). Borrás (79) and Marmolejo (112) also completed a very good performance in the race. Velandia, Granados and Borrás came out from FUN Team. Granados was our guest runner.
We congratulate Diego Camargo, of the Colombia Tierra de Atletas-GW team, who was crowned champion. The podium was completed by Óscar Galvis (EPM-Scott) and Germán Gómez (UAE Team Colombia).
The squad FUN – Team INCA —in the team classification finished in the box 18— was formed by the managers Jairo Chaves (FUN) and Jean Jacques Goullieux (INCA), the coaches Wilson Sandoval (FUN) and Louis Faure (INCA), Jhon Fredy Maldonado, Technical assistant; Jhon Kerry, physiotherapists, Gelvis Santamaría, mechanic and Mauricio Casas, logistics and warehouse coordinator.
🗨️ Sergio Granados (20 years old)
«It was a team effort. The objectives were achieved. The race had a very high level, I am very happy with the results. I raced quite well and learned a lot. I hope to continue my development. In the team, I was very comfortable with great human quality people».
🗨️ Diomedes Velandia (19 years old)
«I am happy. The work I have done in these years helped me a lot. This is a very beautiful experience and it leaves me high morale. If I keep working with dedication and conscientiously good things will come. In the team, I felt at home».
🗨️ Nicolás Borrás (18 years old)
«Finishing la Vuelta a la Juventud is never easy. This was my first U-23 competition in my first year. It’s a step forward for our process. I think we did well, with the team we lived up to the circumstances. There was a great atmosphere».
🗨️ Luis Mario Marmojelo (20 years old)
«I am very happy to finish such an important competition. The idea is to improve and apply what I learned in the future. It was a beautiful experience. In the FUN – INCA team I felt very comfortable and united. With family».
Additionally , this is a step that serves to bring us closer and closer to the goal of strengthen our team. Since 2016, we have been focusing on Under-14 and Under-16 bike riders. With the U-23 category, we can take the next step in the development and supporting young talents in the transition to professionalism.
The dream of participating for first time in the Vuelta de la Juventud is possible with the support of allied brands and sponsors: Auvergner Rhone Alpes, Makarizasas, AG2R,Scott, Sidi, Going, Tempo, 14 Ochomiles and Bodytech. Thank you for believing in us and promoting the development of cycling!