Molano 3rd in La Ceja sprint

Sebastian Molano climbs onto the podium in La Ceja after a sprint to close the second stage the Tour Colombia.

The stage undulated and barely had a flat kilometre, but lacked any serious climbs. At five kilometres remaining, UAE Team Emirates changed gears. Colombian star Fernando Gaviria decided he wasn’t at his best and gave the reins to Sebastian Molano to try for a win in the sprint.

The Pan-American champion responded well, launched himself toward the front with Alvaro Hodeg (Deceuninck-Quick Step) but missed the kick of his rival in the last 50 metres. He could not manage Hodeg, the eventual winner, and was passed by Laas (Team Illuminate) for second place.

“I was focused on my work of launching Gaviria, but he then told me he wasn’t feeling right to sprint for the win, so I had the possibility to try myself as the team’s sprint leader,” Molano said after his first podium place for the team. “I was well-positioned in the sprint, I had good legs, but the sprints aren’t always straight drags and I lost speed unfortunately.”

“I am upset I didn’t finish off the good work by the team riding at the front of the race,” Gaviria added. “Near the finish, my body was not feeling how I expected it so at that point I preferred to leave Molano a chance. I’m sorry for that with the stage arriving at home and with the chance to have a good impression. There are still chances in this Tour Colombia, I hope that I will have better feelings and repay the fans for their support.”

Stage 2 results:
1 Alvaro Hodeg (Col) Deceuninck-Quick Step 3h21’40”
2 Martin Laas (Est) Team Illuminate s.t.
3 Sebastian Molano (Col) UAE Team Emirates s.t.

Overall classification after stage 2:
1 Alvaro Hodeg (Col) Deceuninck-Quick Step 3h36’43”
2 Rigoberto Urán (Col) EF Education First +02″
3 Lawson Craddock (USA) EF Education First s.t.
17 Sebastian Molano (Col) UAE Team Emirates +33″
18 Sergio Henao (Col) UAE Team Emirates +37″