As a result of the harsh criticism received by the Colombian Cycling Federation through social networks commenting on the mechanical mishap experienced by Juan Manuel Barboza in the Road World Championships in Wollongong, Australiawho had to run with a braked wheel, which overshadowed his participation in the time trial and relegated him to the last positions, the National Team coach Carlos Mario Jaramillo He talked about what happened.
The technical director of the Colombian delegation referred to the controversial issue and made it clear that it was the option of the Cordovan runner and that he refused on several occasions to change bicycles at the insistence of the coaching staff.
“Unfortunately for us, we had a problem with Barboza’s bike. Practically getting off the ramp, the rear needle of the wheel failed, broke and we tried, four, five or six times to tell him to change bikes, to change the wheel and he never wanted to accept, until exactly one kilometer left to finish the first lap”, explained the coach from Antioquia.
And he continued with the explanation. “At 14 kilometers, Óscar, the mechanic fixed his wheel, but unfortunately for us the time he lost was impressive, from a runner we expected a lot from him, but I think the mechanical failure was due to the wheel. It had never happened that a needle burst at that timejust as it happened, it practically crossed and the bicycle was very slowed down, ”added Jaramillo.
After much insistence, the corridor of the Paisa Pride agreed to make the adjustment. “The mechanic struggled to organize it from above, but it was impossible. A thousand times, as I told him before, we insisted that we change the bicycle, that we change the wheel, that we change everything, but you know the idea is carried by the broker, One goes with a commissioner and they are not allowed to get close, only when the runner raises his hand they let one enter to help him. We were only able to help him with a kilometer to go before the first lap and I think that was where he lost everything, ”added the former Paisa cyclist.
Likewise, the Antioquia coach regretted what happened, but he welcomes participation in the road tests. “Unfortunately for us the bike failed, the material And well, it was with the only runner with whom we had problems because with all the others, look, none of them had anything to regret, they all ran normally, but well, it was with the runner that we had great hope, he is an excellent runner, he has to learn a lot, but well, let’s go forward and with the help of God and all of us, I believe that we can continue fighting for this. We wait for the road tests, which I know is going to go quite well. A very special greeting to all and hope that you understand this boy who had many illusions”, concluded coach Jaramillo.