Fernando Gaviria says he is “relaxed and enjoying every race” with his new UAE Team Emirates squad, after a sudden move at the end of 2018.
The Colombian sprinting talent has opened his season strong and hopes to continue that trajectory at the UAE Tour, his new team’s home race.
Gaviria unexpectedly switched from Deceuninck – Quick-Step at the end of 2018 after budget constraints for the Belgian team forced them to sell the young powerhouse.
>>> Ben Swift recovering after suffering spleen rupture in training crash
When asked about the significance of opening strong with a new team, the 24-year-old told Cycling Weekly: “It’s really important. When you change teams, you never know what will happen.
“It’s really good for the motivation. I’m comfortable in the team. I’m relaxed and enjoying every race.”
Speaking ahead of the inaugural UAE Tour, he added: “I feel really good. Things are really good with the team.
“This is the first really big race of the year and the team are ready.”
Gaviria won two stages of the Vuelta a San Juan, including his first race day of the season on stage one.
He has taken victory in his first time out every year since 2015.
>>> UAE Tour 2019 live TV guide
Gaviria has won six Grand Tour stages – four at his debut Giro d’Italia in 2017, and two in his first Tour de France last season.
He is set to return to the Tour in 2019.
After a brilliant performance in his first race of the year in Argentina, Gaviria then went on to ride his home race Tour Colombia but was forced to pull out after stage two.
He said: “It’s true I didn’t finish. I had a respiratory problem, trouble breathing.
“I pulled out because the UAE Tour is a very important race for us.
“I’m 100 per cent recovered.
“I’m here with Alexander Kristoff and between us we’ll see what we can do in the sprints.”
The first UAE Tour opens with a team time trial on Sunday (February 24) and ends on Saturday, March 2.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Best bicycle insurance, including what you need to know and how to compare
Wondering how to protect your pride and joy? Our helpful guide tells you all you need to know about bicycle insurance
-
Five talking points from stage eleven of the Giro d’Italia 2022
The Cycling Weekly highlights package from the stage which finally saw an Italian win at the home race this year
-
Fernando Gaviria frustrated as gearing issue stops him from fully sprinting on Giro d'Italia stage five
UAE-Team Emirates rider has to settle for second in Messina
-
Tadej Pogačar wins UAE Tour with stage seven victory atop Jebel Hafeet
The Slovenian claimed the red jersey with his second stage win of the race.
-
Mathias Vacek wins stage six of UAE Tour as peloton fails to catch breakaway
Gazprom-RusVelo make numbers in break count as sprinters have to settle for minor places
-
Jasper Philipsen sprints to victory on stage five of UAE Tour
Belgian rider wins second sprint of the race ahead of Olav Kooij and Sam Bennett
-
Filippo Ganna sticks with the climbers in 'ride of the day' performance on UAE Tour summit finish
The Italian time trial specialist showed he is capable of keeping pace on mountain stages too, crossing the line in 11th
-
'Having a team like this gives you goosebumps': Pogačar credits team after UAE Tour triumph
Slovenian takes control of leader's jersey after stage four
-
Tadej Pogačar takes the UAE Tour leader's jersey after stage four victory
The Slovenian leads Filippo Ganna by just two seconds on general classification
-
Ineos reveal why Luke Plapp completed UAE Tour time trial on road bike
The young Australian crashed during the recon, causing a mechanical issue to his time trial bike
