Rujano in search for third Vuelta al Táchira

José Humberto Rujano hopes to win the Táchira for a third time, after 2004 and 2005. He will arrive in San Cristóbal, Venezuela, next week and meet with his new team, the club de ciclismo Gobernación del Zulia – Alcaldía de Maracaibo. He will reunite with his new teammates, who are already training in the state of Táchira.

Rujano assured he wants to close the deal with the team for the tour in his native Venezuela and collaborate with director Alexis Méndez. "I come here in the hopes to once again participate in the Vuelta al Táchira en Bicicleta. I only hope to find a solution with the few legal details of the contract, then I want to meet up[ with the rest of the guys, who have already done phenomenal work."

The team will have to other double champions, Manuel "El gato" Medina (who won in 2006 and 2008) and Noel Vásquez (2000 and 2001). Rujano confirmed that all three are physically prepared to become tricampeonato or triple champion.

"Returning to Táchira to race is always an honor for me. Without a doubt the biggest rivals will be the teams of Lotería del Táchira and Rock Racing. Fortunately the directors of Gobernación del Zulia have confirmed a squad at the highest level to tackle this race," Rujano said.

Rujano will not be part of the team that will race in the Vuelta a Bramón, which starts on December 19. Instead, he will continue his preparation in the mountains.

Rujano was racing for Caisse d'Epargne in 2008. The Vuelta al Táchira takes place from January 6 through 17, 2009.