After confirming his form with a convincing victory in the Presbyterian Hospital Criterium in Charlotte, North Carolina last weekend, Alejandro Borrajo of the Colavita/Sutter Home Men's Cycling Team is ready to represent his native Argentina in the road race at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"Every athlete dreams about going to the Olympic Games," said Borrajo. "It's the greatest sporting event in the world." He continued, "It's very exciting for me and my family. Only a few people ever get this chance."
Recognized as one of the most versatile cyclists, Borrajo's strength and endurance for climbing coupled with a powerful sprint will serve him well for the event. Borrajo finished second in the Argentinean National Road Race Championships in 2007 and has represented his home country in numerous international events, including the South American Championships, which he won in 2006, the Pan American Championships, and Road World Championships in Italy and Spain. His number two standing in the 2007 UCI Americas Tour ranking earned him a spot on Argentina's 2008 Olympic squad.
Borrajo, 28, has been riding competitively since he was 16 when he left home to train with his older brother. After racing for a season with Rite-Aid, Borrajo signed with Colavita/Sutter Home where his childhood friend Sebastian Alexandre is director sportif. Borrajo, in turn, recruited his younger brother Anibal to join the team. Both Borrajo brothers have re-signed with Colavita/Sutter Home for the 2009 racing season.
In Beijing, Borrajo will race with another childhood friend on the Argentina squad; Juan Jose Haedo, who made his North American debut in Colavita colors back in 2002 and now races for Team CSC.
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