Fernando Gaviria looking to turn dark page: "The fact that I am now racing for Movistar only provides extra motivation"

Fernando Gaviria was one of the brightest and strongest sprinters when he emerged in his early years at Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team, however since leaving and joining UAE Team Emirates in 2019 success has came around less often. He's looking to change that.

“The last three seasons have been very difficult, professionally and humanly. However, I now look ahead again, I have now closed it," Gaviria told El País. "I am now in a new team and a new environment. The fact that I am now racing for Movistar only provides extra motivation. The team also knows how to deal with people."

In 2017 he won four stages at the Giro d'Italia and in 2018 he won two at the Tour de France. Alongside several others, he became a top sprinter. In his four years with the UAE team however he's won only one stage at the Giro. Lack of the same quality off leadout, internal disputes with other sprinters and occasional complaint on the lack of an aero bike within the team, the pieces never fit together for the 28-year old.

"If you perform well, there is nothing to worry about," he continued. He's signed a one-year deal with Movistar Team into the new season. "But when the achievements fail, they start talking and rumors arise. People don't know what a rider's story is, what really goes on behind the scenes. Fortunately, I feel the confidence of the team, and I also have confidence in the people of Movistar.”

“Although it is clear that we do not work with a real sprint train here. Still, I see enough riders who are able to push me off in a good position in the last kilometer. I am happy with that. We can show great things with this group. That is my motivation," the Colombian concluded. He will start his season at the Vuelta a San Juan and count on the support of the likes of Max Kanter, Iván Cortina and Alex Aranburu as main leadout men.