The BMC Racing Team has signed Colombian climbing specialist Darwin Atapuma, President/General Manager Jim Ochowicz announced Wednesday.
‘A Big Moment’
Ochowicz said the fifth-year professional was impressive at the Tour de Pologne when he won the uphill finish of Stage 6 and was runner-up on Stage 1. He went on to finish second in the race’s king of the mountains classification. “We are happy to welcome Darwin to the team for 2014,” Ochowicz said. “He has shown on several occasions at ProTour races this year his skills in the mountains. He will be a great asset to the BMC Racing Team in the grand tours and other stage races.” Atapuma, the 2008 national road champion, scored top 10 finishes overall this season at the Tour de Slovénie (sixth) and the Presidential Tour of Turkey (seventh). Last year, he won Stage 4 of the Giro del Trentino. “This is a big moment for me,” the 25-year-old said. “To go to the ProTour completes my dream. I know it will be a difficult task. My objective is to work for the team and for the team’s leaders, so I will give my best.” Ochowicz said specific terms of Atapuma’s contract are not being made public.