Egan Bernal claims inaugural Colombia Oro y Paz for Team Sky
By Andy Charles
Last Updated: 12/02/18 12:34pm
Egan Bernal continued the superb start to his Team Sky career with overall victory at the inaugural Colombia Oro y Paz.
The 21-year-old climber, racing on his home roads, finished second on the final stage behind Dayer Quintana (Movistar) but was able to secure the general classification prize by eight seconds.
Bernal made his break with 3km remaining of the climb to Manizales and he received plenty of support from team-mates Tao Geoghegan Hart and Sebastian Henao.
He crossed the line alongside Henao, 10 seconds behind Dayer Quintana, and then watched as a further 11 seconds clicked off to the group of favourites.
That advantage was enough to secure the pink jersey at the end of six tough stages, with Nairo Quintana second overall ahead of Rigoberto Uran and Sergio Henao.
Since joining Team Sky, Bernal has also finished sixth at the Tour Down Under and won the Colombian time-trial title.
He said: "The most important thing was to win the GC and not the stage. Of course, it would have been better to win both but the idea was to win the GC.
"So, my team-mates waited for my attack. That's why I feel so proud and happy with this team. They supported me and did incredible work."
