Rock Racing’s Sevilla Dons Green Jersey

La Dorada, Colombia — Rock Racing’s Oscar Sevilla was awarded for his consistency Thursday at the Vuelta a Colombia.

The Spaniard pulled on the green jersey of points classification leader after finishing third in the 83.8-mile (135 km) race from San Francisco to La Dorada. The podium finish – his fourth Top 10 finish of the event – put him three points ahead of John Fredy Garcia (UNE).

Sevilla’s hopes for overall victory suffered a slight setback on Stage 4 Wednesday when he finished in the pack, five-and-a-half minutes behind two breakaway groups that escaped during the 119.3-mile (192 km) race from Tunja to La Vega.

“My strategy is to take this race one day at a time,” Sevilla said. “This race is like a lottery – anyone can still win it. Unfortunately, we are competing against some really strong teams who are surely going to make it hard for us.”

Sevilla said Colombian teammate Victor Hugo Peña has been a faithful lieutenant, along with Tyler Hamilton and Sergio Hernandez, the only other Rock Racing riders remaining in the race.

Friday’s Stage 6 is a short 71.4-mile (115 km) race that features a mountain-top finish at Santuario. The stage is expected to go a long ways toward deciding the final contenders for the overall crown of the 14-stage, 15-day race.