Sergio Henao (Sky) will aim to bounce back when the Vuelta a Espana returns to the mountains.(Image credit: Fotoreporter Sirotti)
Sergio Henao (Sky) is the new leader of the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco after his victory on stage 3.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Colombians Sergio Henao (Sky) and Carlos Betancur (AG2R La Mondiale) fight for the victory in the closing meters.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Sergio Henao (Sky)(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Having ridden the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España for the past two seasons, Sergio Henao will make his debut at the Tour de France riding in support of Chris Froome. The Colombian climber who has returned home for Christmas following a Team Sky training camp on Majorca told Biciciclismo.com of his 2014 plans. Henao, who will also ride the Tour of the Basque Country and will lead the team in the Ardennes, will be a key domestique for Froome with Richie Porte targeting the Giro.
"The intention is to be at the Tour de France which is what I'm thinking about. My season will begin in Majorca and then I'm scheduled to race the Tour of Oman," Henao said.
"After that, it will be similar to last year's calendar with Tirreno-Adriatico, Tour of the Basque Country and then the Ardennes."
Henao explained that he will then take a break from racing to train on Tenerife, building form for the Criterium du Dauphiné and the Tour.
This year Henao had a breakout six months of racing but faded in the latter half of the season. He entered the Vuelta with aspirations of a top five finish but was derailed by a hunger knock.
"It’s true that last season I was not at the level I wanted to be in the second half. It was important to the team's confidence and everything is a learning experience for me," said Henao.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Henao has ridden Liège-Bastogne-Liège twice although it was at Amstel Gold and La Flèche Wallonne where he excelled this year, finishing sixth and second respectively.
Cousin Sebastian joins Team Sky in 2014 continuing the team's affiliation with the new generation of Colombians. While welcoming the opportunity to race with family, Henao said that he will miss Uran. "He is a good friend and always gave joy and harmony to the team," Henao said, adding that he now sees Uran as a "rival" on the road.
