With a big smile, the same one he showed throughout the week even though he wasn’t the leader and even though he was on the verge of stage victory, as in Boí Taüll and Cambrils, the Colombian Sergio Higuita (24 years old) valued his victory in the Volta a Catalunya, the first grand tour of stages in the World Tour category that he has on his record. At 24 years old, he continues to grow after signing this year for Bora and this year, of the great tours, he has in mind to be in La Vuelta in 2022. He attended the Press after his final success in Montjuíc.
-He successfully defended the lead in La Volta, the first time he competed in this race. How was the?
We knew how to control the difference with our rivals on this final day and everything went well. It was a very tough race, leg breaker every day. The Montjuïc circuit was a type of route that I like and it adapts well to my characteristics. It reminded me of Giro de Emilia, and so I adjusted the forces.
-It is the first World Tour stage race that you have in your record.
I won the 2020 Tour of Colombia, and that gave me experience and the ability to defend and face a type of situation like this, in which I had to defend the lead. I was afraid of losing the strength in my legs after yesterday’s session, but Carapaz also spent the same amount. We all went with that force limit.
-How about these first few months at Bora after leaving Education First?
Very happy with the team and with great motivation, also wearing this jersey (he is the champion of Colombia and wears his flag on his clothing). We are all very happy after giving 200% in this Volta a Catalunya.
-What type of runner is considered? Classics, Vueltomaniac…
A versatile runner. Today the men who fight for the classics, among others, are Pogacar and Roglic, who also win the grand tours. It’s time to go strong in all terrains: mountain, sprint, time trial… nowadays it’s like that.
-Winning this Volta is a dream?
So is. When I was 12-13 years old I sat in front of the television to watch all the races. Today I am competing with some of those I saw. Nairo Quintana was my idol, and being in the peloton alongside other Colombians like Urán and Chaves is a dream. Also measuring myself with the Olympic champion, Carapaz. The mere fact of being here is to be happy.
-Is it the best victory of your career?
I value them all equally, from the first medal I got in a test in 2004 (when I was five years old). I give all the victories the same importance (he adds seven in professionals, including a stage of La Vuelta in 2019). From my first race to the last, they are all important because step by step history is marked.
