Rigoberto Uran Uran wins the Olympics Silver medal for Colombia
Colombian professional road cyclist Rigoberto Uran was the only man who had the answer to Alexandre Vinokourov’s gold winning performance during the 250 kilometre Olympic Men’s Road Race event.
He finished almost at the same time and managed to secure the silver medal for Team Colombia after a photo-finish.
Both the cyclist battled until the final 500 kilometres but Alexandre proved to be the strongest and grabbed a much deserving gold medal.
Uran is having a good season and has already proved his strength during his courageous performances during the Volta a Catalunya and the Giro d’Italia.
He secured the seventh overall position at the Giro and also secured the young riders classification (white jersey) during the event.
The 25-year-old won the fourth stage of the Volta a Catalunya and achieved the fifth overall spot at the race after the final general classifications while riding for the Tour de France winner, Team Sky.
He noted that winning the Olympics medal was never his target and he is overwhelmed on receiving such an honour and dedicated the win to all the people of Colombia.
"To be honest I wasn't counting on the medal but we have it now. This one is for all the people of Colombia who were hoping. Colombia, this medal is for you," he cited.
Colombia only managed one medal (Silver) during the 55 kg women wrestling at the Beijing Olympics 2008 and Uran has already equaled his country medal tally from the past edition.
“I attacked and at the sprint I was thinking of the gold [medal]. However, one thing is what you think and another thing is what the legs say," he cyclist told RCN Radio.
"I looked to my right and suddenly Alexandre took off. I didn't have anything left for a sprint. It was a very long day,"
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos appreciated Rigoberto’s performance, "I want to express my happiness and I believe the happiness of all Colombians because we have just won the first medal at the London Olympics".
Uran has victory brought home only the 12th Olympics medal and his effort will definitely motivate other athletes to boost their performances at the ongoing contest.
Tags: