The Colombian sprinter, nicknamed ‘Missile,’ wants a new moniker. – By Bicycling Staff

New Giro d’Italia leader Fernando Gaviria has called for a change to his ‘Missile’ nickname because he feels it gives his native Colombia a raw deal.

Gaviria, a sprint specialist competing on his maiden three-week stage race, powered his way to a first Grand Tour victory on the third stage of the 100th edition of the race from Tortolo to Cagliari, Sardinia.

It gave the 22-year-old the race leader’s pink jersey, but he called for fans and media not to use his nickname.

“I don’t like this nickname because missiles make you think of war,” Gaviria said. “As a country, Colombia is already criticised for war, weapons and armed conflict. Through sport, we try to change that image. Colombia is a country like any other, it’s not a third-world country.”

It was the 21st win by a Colombian rider on the Giro d’Italia, which ends in Milan on May 28; Medellín native Gaviria is the fourth cyclist from his country to wear the fabled ‘maglia rosa.’

Before Gaviria, fellow Colombians Rigoberto Uran, 2014 champion Nairo Quintana, and Esteban Chaves have led the race.

After Monday’s rest day, the Giro resumes Tuesday with a 181km fourth stage from Cefalu in the north of Sicily to the summit of Europe’s highest active volcano, Mt. Etna. The ride to Mt. Etna is certain to see Gaviria, who excels on the flat, hand the coveted pink jersey over to a new race leader—perhaps back to Quintana, who led earlier in the race.

READ MORE ON: giro Giro d'Italia international road