One race, one win. Fernando Gaviria got his 2017 season underway in style on the opening day of the Vuelta a San Juan, bagging that most sought-after and treasured commodity for a sprinter – an early victory.
"The importance cannot be overstated," said the Colombian in his post-race press conference, yet you'd probably forgive him for taking it for granted now, as he has claimed January victories on Argentinian soil three campaigns in a row.
The first came before he'd even turned pro, in 2015, when he got the better of Mark Cavendish on two occasions at the Tour de San Luis, and he returned to that race last year in the colours of QuickStep to grab another stage and set himself up for one of the most remarkable neo-pro seasons in recent memory.
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"We all prepare for victory, no one really prepares for defeat, so starting the season with a win is great, and it gives me that confidence going forward," said Gaviria, who also noted the calibre of riders he has put to the sword in his home continent.
"Two years ago I beat Mark Cavendish, last year Peter Sagan, and now Elia Viviani. They are three top riders. They've trained just as hard as me but I've been able to count on a bit of luck and slightly stronger legs in the sprints here in Argentina."
Gaviria certainly feels utterly comfortable in the height of the South American summer, joking that the only thing he doesn't like about the heat is the affect of the air conditioning on his – now-croaky – voice.
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