Rujano Venezuelan sportsman of the year

Venezuelan journalists have voted pocket climber José Rujano as their country's sportsman of the year. "Because of a stupendous European campaign, guided by Gianni Savio, he has reinvigorated the national passion for cycling; for climbing onto the podium of the Giro d'Italia in the company of two champions like Paolo Savoldelli and Gilberto Simoni; and for animating the mountain stages and winning the green jersey," said the judges in their announcement of the award.

Rujano was up against other Venezuelan champions like Baseball players Miguel Cabrera (Florida Marlins), Omar Vizquel (San Francisco Giants), Bob Abreu (Philadelphia Phillies) and Johan Santana (Minnesota Twins), as well as against football player Juan Arango (Real Mallorca) amongst others.