Sergio Iguita (EF Pro Cycling) believes that Colombian athletes will have no problem competing in Europe once racing resumes this summer, arguing that Colombian athletes who can train at high altitudes may even have an advantage.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, Colombia has banned international flights until August 31.

The UCI calendar will change in July, with World Tour racing resuming on August 1 at Strade Bianche and the Tour de France opening on August 29.

"There is a way - that's for sure," Higuita said in an interview with the Colombian newspaper El Tiempo (opens in new tab).

"Every rider who makes the trip may make a decision. Like the World Tour or charter flights with pro riders. The government should be able to help. Or it could be a humanitarian flight in case the borders are still closed."

Higuita and his compatriots would have to arrive in Europe in plenty of time to avoid complications that might be associated with quarantine of international arrivals.

"The rules are not clear. They will arrive, be inspected, and then they will know what conditions they will be in and what options they will have to avoid missing training

"[There are] certainly concerns [about traveling to Europe], but precautions must be taken to avoid contagious diseases. We have to take precautions to avoid contagious diseases. The organizers will take the necessary measures when we return to compete. In Europe, there are strict regulations. In those countries there has been an improvement, and we hope that there is no danger of contagion.

As far as racing is concerned, Colombian athletes have not been able to train outdoors until mid-May and do not believe they will be disadvantaged by the coronavirus restrictions. Oliver Naessen recently argued that athletes such as Belgium and the Netherlands, who have been able to train outdoors all along, will have an advantage in what he calls the "two-speed" peloton.

"Most of us live in high altitudes, and I believe it is those of us who can train at altitudes above 2000 m above sea level who have the advantage.

Since joining EF Pro Cycling midway through last season, Higuchi has launched his WorldTour career, finishing second in the Tour of California, fourth in the Tour de Pollogne, and 14th in the Vuelta a España, where he won a stage.

He got off to a similar start in 2020, winning the Colombian road race title and the Tour Colombia.

"I braked a bit on COVID-19, but my wings are not clipped," the 22-year-old said.

As for his plans after returning to racing, Higuita hopes to compete in the Tour de France, but that program has not yet been finalized.

"I want to compete in the Tour and I am motivated. I have a good chance to compete in the Tour de France.

"I'll be in the Ardennes Classique and Ile Lombardia. La Flèche Wallonne is a race I will fight to win if I am in good shape. It's a hard race and the finish at Mulle de Huy is exciting."