28/09/2022

Fernando Gaviria's "work ethic is a five or a six" team manager says

Joxean Matxin has for many years been one of the most reputable scouts in the peloton, and in Fernando Gaviria he's found a super talent that has for several years been at the head of the game in the sprinting field. However, he admits the Colombian lacks something to return to that level.

“Fernando is really a super talent, he is in my eyes one of the best sprinters in the world," Matxin told in an interview with Velonews. "The problem is, his work ethic is a five or a six. He starts competitions when his level is at an eight, while for others - through super professional training - it is nine, ten, eleven or twelve."

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Gaviria turned professional in 2016 with Quick-Step, and between 2017 and 2019 he won seven Grand Tour stages in total, a points jersey at the Giro and several other wins. His versatility also saw him win Paris-Tours early in his career, but since his move away from the Belgian team in 2019 into UAE Team Emirates, the situation has changed.

“He really needs to change something mentally. He has to do something about his motivation, in order to raise his level again," Matxin argued. Over the last few years it has been known that both Gaviria and former team sprinter Alexander Kristoff were not satisfied with the lack of a proper aero bike - from team's bike supplier Colnago - however Matxin argues that Gaviria's motivation is low and that has prevented him from being at his best level - alongside health issues which have included a total of three Covid-19 infections over the last few years.

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"I already know him well from our collaboration at Quick-Step and I also helped him with his move to UAE Emirates, but he really needs to change his focus," he concluded. As Gaviria is set to step away from the UAE team, the future is currently open.

The Colombian has been rumoured to be a possibility for Movistar Team to bolster their sprinter lineup, however it is likely that more teams will have their eye on the 28-year old.