Colombia Oro y Paz (st. 3)

Gaviria (QST) claims third consecutive stage win as Movistar Team riders get through their final hurdle before the climbs, starting on Friday with Cerrito and El Tambo's finish.

The 2018 Colombia Oro y Paz race leaves the flatlands behind on Friday to tackle the mountains that will decide the GC outcome, following a calm stage three to Buga on Thursday (163km) where local hero Fernando Gaviria (QST) again prevailed.

The Movistar Team rode always at the front to keep Nairo Quintana protected and remain fully in contention before the next three days. All Blues finished the stage safely and only Winner Anacona was held up by a crash into the bunch, less than 3km from the end, the man from Tunja not even falling down.

Friday’s 149km journey from Buga to El Tambo will consist of an easy start and an intriguing, final 40km, with the ascent of Cerrito (almost 8km with gentle ramps, around 3%) and a finish atop the Alto Boquerón (4.4km at around 5% average).

Picture (c): Dario Belingheri / BettiniPhoto.net