Your favourite climb? 

My favourite climb is Patios in Colombia. It’s a 7.5km long climb and it’s a beautiful ascent that is popular with cyclists. I don’t know how many times I faced it, but I always love it.

Your best or most memorable result in pro cycling? 

For sure at La Vuelta a Espana, at Formigal stage. It was such a brutal day, due also to rain and cold, a dangerous descent and a beautiful final climb. My performance on that day was very good. I was on the front with the GC guys and I was with still with them at 3km to go that makes me looking at that like a memorable moment.

What race format is your favorite? Classics, one-week racing or Grand Tours?

The race that suits me the most is Grand Tours.

Your father is a big fan of cycling, what was his reaction to you finishing La Vuelta?

My father has been a cycling fan for years. When I called him to inform him that I was selected for the team riding the Vuelta a Espana, he shared with me all his emotions. He was happy and excited, as I was debuting on a Grand Tour at my first year as a pro and I was so young. He watched the race every day: he made some videos and he sent me them, saying ‘Go Santi, you’re strong, few days are still missing, and you will complete the race…’ and when I did it, when we arrived in Madrid and finished the Vuelta, he was over the moon and so proud of me. He is like a hero for me. All the things I did, I did it for him. He is my first coach, the one who drove me to the races…then completing the Vuelta was the top for him and me too, thinking about him and how much he was happy with that.

What do you miss most about Colombia now living in Europe? 

My family, no doubt. As said, my favourite climb is in Colombia…you know it’s my home country, can’t deny I’m missing everything so much. But I was lucky enough to meet people who always supported me since I had to leave Colombia to race in Europe. From Italy, I moved to Andorra and I enjoy both the place for training, both for the opportunity I have to meet many other pro riders living there.

What are your thoughts on the Merida Scultura you will be racing this season? 

I’m riding with the Merida Scultura. It’s a light bike, which qualities you you can appreciate especially when climbing. It is also very easy to drive also on descent and flat. It is equipped with disc brakes, that works perfectly with me.