The Team COLOMBIA COLDEPORTES on Punta Veleno’s slopes

Esteban Chaves powers on right away

It’s climbing time for Colombia Coldeportes guys, currently on training camp in Torbole sul Garda, and they are already heating up. The inspection on Punta Veleno climb, where next Giro del Trentino third stage’s finish is set, was big part of a demanding but exciting day for Claudio Corti’s team. Even though snow forced the riders to step down before the final kilometers, the test was a really significant one, as it was run on a really uncommon climb, rising from the lake’s banks to an over 1.000 meter altitude in just 8 km, with gradient peaking up at 20%.

The Colombian riders were in their element, and they showed their quality right away. Esteban Chaves stood out from the bunch: Colombia Coldeportes’ highly-regarded young prospect lived up to his pure climber’s reputation, anticipating all of his team mates and other athletes from Trentino (Daniel Oss, Moreno Moser, Alessandro Bertolini) who wanted to join them in this test.

“It is a really impressing climb – Colombia Coldeportes General Manager Claudio Corti stated – and it is due to make a big selection. It has been an interesting experience for our riders, I think we’ll be back training on these slopes.” A special observer of today’s ride was one with a big knowledge of climbs, Gilberto Simoni: “It is a very tough ascent, no doubt about it – two-time Giro d’Italia winner stated – I have never rode on it, but it is pretty clear indeed.” “A terrible climb – Alessandro Bertolini added – only very agile and light athletes can come out on top.”

The day ended along the lake’ bank, where the riders were welcomed by the sun and an inviting plate of polenta. Esteban Chaves did not look frightened by Punta Veleno after all: “Cold made the effort even bigger – young Colombian prospect said – but I think the climate will be different in April. There are several points to attack and break the rhythm along the climb, but you have to be cautious in order not to suffer on the distance.” But, despite snow and cold, he looked like he was flying…