Quintana, Gaviria, Uran to ride new Colombian Oro y Paz race

Movistar, Quick-Step Floors, Team Sky and EF Education First confirmed for new Colobian stage race in February

Quick-Step Floors' Fernando Gaviria will start his 2018 season in South America. The Colombian will first appear at the Vuelta a San Juan and then in Colombia Oro y Paz.

Argentina has been important in the Colombian's racing and started as a professional started there. "Racing in Argentina is something very special for me because it was here that the doors opened to a pro contract back in 2015," Gaviria said.

"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."

Gaviria, who took 15 victories in 2017, will participate in the newly created Colombian race that will take place between February 6th and 11th. "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," he explained.

"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 are 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."

"This is an event that Colombia needed," said Urán. "A race we can take part in, because we only have the chance to race in Colombia during the national championships, and now to have international teams coming to compete is great. It's important to showcase the infrastructure of Colombia and to be able to share it with people."

Quintana added: "It's a source of pride that the country will host such a big race, and not only with the participation of us Colombians but also with international riders. It will give great pride to showcase ourselves in front of the world. It's a considered route, which won't be too demanding given that it's barely February. If it were at a different time we could have had a route with climbs topping 3000 metres. For me it will set me up for my big objectives."

Oro y Paz Stages

Stage 1: February 6, Palmira-Palmira, 99.9km
Stage 2: February 7, Palmira-Palmira, 183.4 km
Stage 3: February 8, Palmira-Buga, 163.2 km
Stage 4: February 9, Buga-El Tambo, 149.5 km
Stage 5: February 10, Pereira-Salento, 160.8 km
Stage 6: February 11, Armenia-Manizales, 184.3 km.

Quintana, Gaviria, Uran to ride new Colombian Oro y Paz race