In certain cases the placings have a particular value. Einer’s Rubio at the Giro d’Italia, finishing in seventh position, it is very precious because certifies the entry of the twenty-six year old Colombian from Chìquiza among the riders who have an established value in the Grand Tours and in today’s cycling this is no small feat. Not even in the economy of his team, Movistar, which with him finds a valid alternative to Enric Masoriented towards the Tour.
However, few know that there is so much of Italy in Rubio, who has been living and training in Campania for seven years now: «I arrived as a junior – he says – finding a space at Aran Cucine Vejus, a company from Benevento. Even then, Italian youth cycling was seen as an excellent way to gain experience and establish oneself. However, I never thought that my relationship would go further and that I would find love there. The team president also became my father-in-lawI settled in Pago Veiano and I really feel at home.”
It was a big leap for you coming from overseas…
I immediately felt comfortable, I was born and lived in the countryside and the small size of the provincial town is ideal for me. Furthermore, the roads here have little traffic, ideal for training in altimetrythere are nice tears.
You have a nice connection with the Giro d’Italia. Last year you came close to the Top 10 by winning the Crans Montana stage, this year you achieved a more prestigious placing but without partial successes. What is better?
Honestly I’m happier this year. Last season’s 11th place was mainly the result of a long escape, but this time I almost always remained in the thick of the action, in contact with the strongest (except one, of course…). I was aiming for a place in the standings, also because winning a stage like this is more difficult: last year it was much easier to get into the breakaway, this time I was “tightly marked”…
You were there last year, but Pogacar wasn’t there, how much has his presence changed, beyond the victory?
A lot in the running economy. There was an absolute master, him and his team and not a leaf moved that wasn’t decided by them. The escape only made sense if they gave their approval, not chased. This made the race more regimented, last year anything could really happen. But Slovenian is really in another category.
How were things going before the Giro?
Pretty good, I pretty much followed the same pattern as last year so that I arrived at the start already in good shape. Stage races such as Volta Valenciana (which effectively replaced last year’s South American trip), Uae Tour and Catalunya were ideal for honing your preparation, then I returned to Colombia to do the necessary altitude training and returned just for the departure of Venaria Reale. It all worked.
Your result also gives some breathing space to Colombian cycling, which lately has showcased less talent than in the past. Do you think what happened to Bernal had a backlash?
Partially yes. There are strong riders, there is a lot of quality. The problem is structural and Bernal with his successes he covered everything. It’s difficult for young people to find opportunities, because it means having to go away, and to compete you have to pay in our area and the lack of a reference team is felt. For me it was important not only to come to Italy, but then to find a team like Movistar, ideal for me, a real family where there is also the same language as me. It’s the best team I could ask for.
Did you experience difficult moments at the Giro?
Certainly during the two crashes, with the rain and the bumpy terrain on the dirt roads. I had to chase and I was so afraid of seeing all my attempts frustratedespecially the opportunity you had to be with the best.
Where will we see you again?
The post-race holidays are already coming to an end, the Tour of Switzerland awaits me where I will race for the ranking aiming to take advantage of the condition I have gained over the three weeks. Then we will have to decide what to do for the second part of the season.
Will you return to the Vuelta like last year?
The program should be this, but I would like to test myself in the one-day classics. When I arrived in Italy I saw that the calendar was made up almost exclusively of races of that type and I was quite happy with it, I think that in certain races I could have my say, let’s say I would like to try.
But given the path in Zurich, are you thinking about the world championship?
More than a little thought… I will talk about it with the city manager, if he wants me then I will prepare the race with great attention. Wearing the national team shirt is a great honor and I certainly wouldn’t go down that path to be an extra…
