Leonardo Páez arrives in Andalucía hunger for victory

The two-time XCM World Champion, Leonardo Páez, will make his debut in the Andalucía Bike Race by GARMIN with Russian Alexey Medvedev and Soudal-LeeCougan

"I come with the aim of riding well and feeling good, so I can fight for the overall and maybe win stages, as I've been a while without racing due to the injury I had". With this declaration of intent, Leonardo Páez's participation in the twelfth edition of the Andalucía Bike Race by GARMIN looks set to be in style.

Born in Ciénaga, the 39-year-old Colombian has twice been crowned XCM World Champion in 2019 and 2020 in a row. In addition, to the colombian’s successful record, we must add an American Continental Championship in 2011 and two third places in the XCM World Championships. With this record, it is clear that we are dealing with one of the great specialists in the field.

In addition to his debut in our event, he will be making his debut this year with his new team, Soudal-Lee Cougan. The Colombian will have another rider of very high quality and level at his side, the Russian Alexey Medvedev. "We always aim for the maximum. We would like to go for the victory and if it is not possible, to be on the podium. I am curious to see how we will get along with Leonardo, as it will be the first time we race together", says Medvedev.

As far as his first participation in our event is concerned, Paez is both excited and motivated.

"I'm very happy to have the opportunity to take part in such a race. It's a very famous race, so I'm very excited. I have been told that it is quite demanding and that it requires a good physical preparation. I will have to be constant, taking good care of my physical condition and my bike", says the rider from Ciénaga.

The Italian team will not be the only pair competing in the next Andalucía Bike Race by GARMIN, as they will be joined by Ton Longo and Daniele Mensi, as well as Stefano Valdrighi and Massimo Rosa.

Although in the last editions, the Italians were usually in the first places of the race, this year they will try to reach the podium.