Humble Henao Hails Brailsford's Support

Long tipped for great things but thwarted by setbacks, the Sky man delivered on his promise at Paris-Nice

- Pete Cossins

Colombian Sergio Henao hailed the support of Dave Brailsford and Team Sky as he came back from a near career-ending injury to celebrate his biggest victory to date at Paris-Nice on Sunday.

After second places at the Tour of the Basque Country (2015 and 2016) and Flèche Wallonne (2013), concerns about his blood profile that led to him being withdrawn from racing in 2014, and a fractured kneecap that same year that threatened his career, the 29-year old had reason to wonder if he’d ever win a major title.

Signed by Team Sky in 2012 after stellar performances as a youngster, the Colombian seemed condemned to a role as a nearly man.

This season, though, Henao’s luck has begun to change. Winner of his national road title at the start of the year, the Colombian survived ‘trial by Contador’ at Paris-Nice to extend his team’s phenomenal run in ‘the Race to the Sun’, which now includes five victories in the space of just six years by four different riders.