Diego Pescador, the 20-year-old Colombian sensation from Quindío, has been making waves in the cycling world. As one of the country’s most promising young talents, he joined the WorldTour with Movistar Team, a squad renowned for nurturing Latin American riders. With a beaming smile, Pescador recounts his journey so far, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped his inaugural season.
So, how does he assess his first few months with Movistar, having competed in Australia, Portugal, and now Spain? “It’s been a positive start for me,” he says. “I’m still getting used to this new world, but I’m learning a great deal from my teammates. The atmosphere is incredible – we’re a strong, cohesive unit.” He fondly recalls the team’s victory in Australia, where they celebrated a stage win with Romo. “Being part of that winning team was an exhilarating experience,” Pescador admits. “I’m eager to continue on this path.”
Pescador’s move to Movistar was influenced by Eusebio Unzué, who presented him with a comprehensive development plan tailored to his needs. “He offered me a great contract, allowing me to progress steadily, without pressure,” Pescador explains. “I didn’t hesitate to join – it felt like the perfect fit.” With Unzué’s guidance, Pescador is focused on gradual growth, taking it one step at a time.
As a young rider, Pescador looks up to seasoned veterans like Nairo Quintana, who has been a source of valuable advice. “He tells me to be inquisitive, to follow the orders of the directors and experienced riders, and to always be at the service of the team,” Pescador shares. With no pressure to perform, he’s free to soak up knowledge and accumulate kilometers in the legs. “I’m thrilled to be here, and I want to keep learning,” he emphasizes.
Movistar’s rich history of nurturing Latin American talent has created a sense of belonging for Pescador. “The team has always given opportunities to riders from our region,” he notes. “It’s inspiring to see how they’ve helped greats like Nairo Quintana shine.” With the team’s support, Pescador feels motivated to follow in their footsteps.
When asked about his chances of making a breakthrough, Pescador remains optimistic. “Why not?” he says with a grin. “I’m confident that, with time, I can make it happen.” He believes that Buitrago, Bernal, and other Colombian riders have the potential to reach the podium in a major competition soon.
Pescador’s calendar for the remainder of the season is packed, with upcoming events in Sierra Nevada, Milán-Turín, and France. While he’s unsure when he’ll make his grand tour debut, he’s taking it one step at a time. “I need to be prepared,” he says with a chuckle. “For now, I’m focusing on gradual progress.”
The team has noted that Pescador is still adapting to the World Tour’s demanding pace. “I have many details to refine,” he acknowledges. “It’s been a drastic change, competing against the world’s best. However, I’m confident that I can perform well.” With each race, Pescador feels himself improving, fueled by positive feedback from his teammates and directors.
If he could win any race, Pescador wouldn’t be picky – he’d be thrilled to raise his arms in victory, especially in a grand tour. The Tour de France, where his idol Nairo Quintana has shone, holds a special appeal. “I’d love to make a strong impression there in the future,” he says.
Pescador’s childhood heroes include Nairo Quintana, but he now looks up to Tadej Pogacar, who he admires for his exceptional vision and consistent performance. As for his wishes for the rest of the season, Pescador hopes to secure a victory, a challenging but achievable goal. With his talent, dedication, and the support of Movistar Team, the sky’s the limit for this young Colombian sensation.