Diminutive Colombian Carlos Betancur marked his debut season at Ag2r-La Mondiale in some style with a number of impressive performances, particularly in the earlier part of the season. His fearless attacking style stood out at the Ardennes Classics, where he made an early bid for the line at La Fleche Wallone, before finishing third, and attacked the bunch at Liege-Bastogne-Liege on his way to sixth.

Betancur’s most impressive performances came at the Giro however, where he overcame a disappointing start and the treacherous conditions to reach the podium four times en route to fifth place overall and the white jersey. He also finished fifth in the mountains classification and his ability on the slopes was highlighted on the penultimate stage, where he overcame a puncture to finish fourth on Tre Cime di Lavaredo and seal his place as best young rider. While his form did not hold for the Vuelta, the 24-year-old has already proved he can mix it with the best.