Colombia's best chance of a Maglia Rosa win? Einer Rubio heads to the Giro d'Italia with ambition: "I think we’ve taken a step forward"

The likes of Nairo Quintana and Egan Bernal have given the Colombians some great memories of the Giro d'Italia over the last decade or so. Although both are returning to the Italian Grand Tour in 2025, could it be a different Colombian that holds the most realistic Maglia Rosa ambitions? Movistar Team's Einer Rubio certainly heads to the Giro full of ambition.

One of the biggest obstacles to Rubio hopes of winning at this, and most Grand Tours, is the Colombian's lack of time trial prowess. Although this could be an important factor again this Giro, Rubio has been working hard to improve this aspect of his riding. "Last year, we lost a lot of time. This year, if I’m not mistaken, it’s 32 kilometres in total. The first one is 13 kilometres, so more or less we can manage it," he says in conversation with Bici.Pro. "I’ve definitely improved. We’ve been working on it with the team at the track, and I’ve done some specific training here as well, so I think we’ve taken a step forward."

Movistar Team are clearly backing Rubio, with his being granted GC leadership for the team. "There will be riders to support me, but there are also guys like Nairo (Quintana) and others who will want to go for stage wins," assesses the 27-year-old. "So on the days they feel good, we’ll let them go for it, and on the rest of the days, they’ll give me a hand."

That relationship with his compatriot and former Maglia Rosa winner Quintana could be key for Rubio this Giro. If Quintana has good legs, his experience and help in the high mountains will be something of a big benefit to the Movistar Team leader. "More than teammates, we’re friends," Rubio says of the dynamic between the pair. "We live just ten kilometres apart and get along really well. Last year, he gave me a lot of useful advice that really helped. This year he’s helped with training too, so having him by my side is truly a blessing."

As for his Giro d'Italia ambitions, Rubio is keen to not look too far ahead. "I’d like to improve, but I won’t rule out trying to win a stage if I find myself in the right situation," he says thoughtfully. "I’ve prepared well and I’m feeling confident. Let’s hope everything goes smoothly — the way it should."

"We’ve talked about it since we first set the calendar, and it’s still in the plan. Let’s hope everything goes well and I stay healthy," Rubio concludes. "Then I’ll go and do my first Tour de France. But we’ll take things one step at a time. Right now, it’s all about the Giro. And it’s a big goal to aim for."