"European cycling is different to what we're used to" - Sergio Higuita tries to ease Colombian cycling after recent difficulties

Colombia has been having a few rough months when it comes to cycling, with the amount of riders travelling to Europe lessening, and the cases of Miguel Ángel López and Nairo Quintana worsening the nation's look on the sport.

"We need to stay calm. I think people are anxious at the moment because they want Colombian cycling to keep achieving like it has done in recent years," Higuita said told Cyclingnews. "But we have to look at countries like France, for example, where they haven't won the Tour de France for many years. Meanwhile, Slovenia is a country that didn't have a big history, but it's very successful now.

A natural phase, Higuita says. The BORA - hansgrohe was one of the most recent stars to have been scouted in Colombia and signed by the main World Tour teams where he's so far achieved plenty success. Like him many other riders appeared over the last decade including Quintana, López, Egan Bernal, Rigobert Uran, Esteban Chaves and many more.

However as of late, not as many young talents have made the move: "It means that the general level of world cycling is very high now, so you need to have a bit of patience. The most important thing in Colombia is that we keep on developing young cyclists. That's the key."

Whilst the presence of Miguel Ángel López may now bring more exposure to the Colombian field, the distance and logistical problems always provide an immediate obstacle for riders looking to develop their life in Europe.

"It's complicated because European cycling is different to what we're used to. In one way, it's a bit easier these days, because European teams want more and more Colombian riders. But it's also very difficult at the same time because they want young Colombian riders to arrive in Europe and perform at a very high level immediately," Higuita argues.

"WorldTour teams are now signing very young riders, who are maybe skipping under-23 level altogether, and that doesn't necessarily suit Colombian riders. For riders like Egan, Dani and me, when we came to Europe first, we raced at Continental or ProContinental level before going to the WorldTour," the 25-year old continues.

"I think it's something WorldTour managers need to think about, like Jonathan Vaughters did with me, for example. He had me ride for six months with Euskaltel to adapt to European racing before I moved on to EF. I think an adaptation period like that is necessary for Colombian riders, because we're coming into a new culture, and that's not easy."

Higuita is currently racing the Vuelta a San Juan where he will look to be one of the main contenders for the overall classification win. Today's stage finishes up the Alto Colorado where the climbers will have their best opportunity to test their early-season form.