Colombian cyclists Rigoberto Uran and Carlos Alberto Betancur ended respectively second in the general classification and first in the youth classification of the Giro d’Italia.
General classification of the 2013 Giro d’Italia
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Uran ended at 4:43 of winner Vincenzo Nibali from Italy
after more than 80 hours of racing.
Betancur will be taking home the white jersey after finishing fifth, earning him the title as best young rider in the renowned tour. The Antioquia native additionally ended fourth in the sprint classification.
MORE: Colombia’s Carlos Betancur becomes Giro d’Italia’s best young rider
This year’s Giro d’Italia has been one of the most successful in the history of Colombian cycling. No Colombian rider ever made it higher than second place in the general classification and never before Colombians made it to the final podium of both the general classification and the youth classification.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos praised the outstanding performance of Colombia’s riders, saying Uran and Betancur had achieved “historic performances” and were a “pride for the country.”
Históricos triunfos para Colombia en el Giro. Felicitaciones al subcampeón Urán y al campeón de jóvenes Betancur. Son orgullo para el país.
— Juan Manuel Santos (@JuanManSantos) May 26, 2013
This year’s Giro was particularly successful for Uran, who began the tour as helper for Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, but was promoted to team captain after winning the tenth stage and outperforming his superior who later was forced to step down because of a lung infection. Uran’s tour was full of suspense until the final finish as Cadel Evans finished little over a second after the Colombian.
MORE: Colombia’s Uran to lead Sky after Wiggins falls ill
Uran’s team, Sky, has not made any statements on who will lead the team in the Tour de France which is set to begin on June 29.