All the way from South America, to the Giro!!

Giro d´Italia is today within the main headlines in Sport sections all over the world, and it could not be too different in South American. Even though there is a clear predominance of European competitors among those running -- which is natural, considering the tradition of the sport in the Continent -- some of the competitors come all the way across the Atlantic Ocean to experience the beautiful Italian competition.

Juan José Haedo will be the only cyclist from Argentina in the race. The 28 year old son of Juan Carlos Haedo, one of the most famous Argentinian cyclist ever, is taking part in the danish team Saxo Bank, and has participated in the Giro before in 2007, when he had 9th and 10th place as best results in two stages.

On the other hand, The Barloworld Team brings two runners all the way from Colombia to fulfill its team. One of them is Mauricio Soler, who has as main goals to win a stage of the race in the high mountains and to be among the best qualified at the final raking. In a interview to a Colombian newspaper, Soler said that he is confident and is "feeling mentally and physically strong". Last year, Soler had to leave the race due to a hurt knee. His compatriot and team mate, Félix Cardenas, will be running the Giro for the third time -- the first participation was in 2000, and last year he finished in 16th place.

Still from Colombia, Mauricio Ardila, running for Rabobank, will run for the fifth time in the traditional Italian competition. His best result so far has been 27th in 2005. At last, José Serpa, member of Diquigiovani, is the only non-European member of his team and finished the race in 2008 in 26th.

Best wishes to the South American ryunners!