Despite the lack of cobblestone roads in his country, this venezuelan rider from Los Teques had always a dream, ride in the hardest cobblestone roads of Europe; no matter his lack of talent in the sprint. This is a small resume of Porfirio Garcilaso's biography, full of obstacles in his rise to the profesional scene.
His early begin was at age of 21 with team Shadow, a local team who gave him the chance of a trial period during last days of season 32. After signing a full contract with Shadow he was able to be involved in more races while training in the cobblestones of Belgium. After 3 seasons, Nightmare Chaos saw his special talent as cobblestone pacer and hired the venezuelan rider to build up their squad. Suddenly Porfirio was riding in Division 1 and 2 with the best cobbler riders of the peloton, and having part of line up of his new team in Antwerpen - Huy of that year.
His...
Read moreDespite the lack of cobblestone roads in his country, this venezuelan rider from Los Teques had always a dream, ride in the hardest cobblestone roads of Europe; no matter his lack of talent in the sprint. This is a small resume of Porfirio Garcilaso's biography, full of obstacles in his rise to the profesional scene.
His early begin was at age of 21 with team Shadow, a local team who gave him the chance of a trial period during last days of season 32. After signing a full contract with Shadow he was able to be involved in more races while training in the cobblestones of Belgium. After 3 seasons, Nightmare Chaos saw his special talent as cobblestone pacer and hired the venezuelan rider to build up their squad. Suddenly Porfirio was riding in Division 1 and 2 with the best cobbler riders of the peloton, and having part of line up of his new team in Antwerpen - Huy of that year.
His second season in Nightmare Chaos was very exciting as well, but he could not take a spot for the most important races of the calendar; however season 37 rewarded his hard work as a team mate by participating in Astana Gp, Roubaix Classic, and his second Antwerpen - Huy. Even having a chance as break away in Criterium La Provence.
That was his best season in the top division and his whole career, he saids. Finishing 23th in the Hell of the North was like reaching the sky, I don't need anything else, remember Garcilaso.
The season 38 Porfirio was transfered to Columbiero; I was devastated, suddenly after 3 seasons in the top, now I was riding in Division 4; that move changed the man and marked him by the rest of his career. It didn't last long because at the end of season 39 the venezuelan cobbler suddenly received another transfer notification. California Mist was waiting for him.
With the american team he had the chance to ride in the Classic Oslo, a good experience for Porfirio no matter the race wasn't good to his skills, he enjoyed the moment while doing his work for his team. When he thought he was getting once again a confortable place to continue his career; another tranfer request was knocking his door.
TeamRunningCenter agreed a very fair price for the 30 years old rider and now he was reaching his deepest. From Division 4-5 his new team was riding in the lower divisions, Division 10 to be exact. However, Porfirio finally was able to rise his hands for the very first time in Niigata Street Race #50 and got a second victory at Zacatecas Grand Prix #15. At the end of the season he also got a 3rd place in Vellereux CB #49 so in terms of personal results, he was having his best season so far.
After several seasons, Porfirio finally raced in his country; Chivacoa TT but he had once again to work for a captain, that wasn't bad for him and his best result was 6th in Astana CBGP.
Season 43 brought back to his memory the dificult moments of the transfer request. Starting the season with TeamRunningCenter, at half of season he got transfered to Salgueiros and after a discussion with his manager, he was fired before end of season. Thinking his journey was coming to an end, he returned to his hometown and ready gift his equipment; Porfirio received a call from the US Postal, a newbie squad looking for experienced but cheap riders. He did not think it twice.
Signing a 2nd place in Oberndorf Am Neckar #31 the venezuelan cobbler secured a long term contract with US Postal at his 32 years old and a captain role shared with Henry Christian, the sprinter of the team. His first full season with the team was full of challenge and lack of fortune, with a 4th place as best result, the team could not achieve any win during the whole season. Only good point of the calendar was having another participation in a classic, Grenoble - Col du Galibier
After having a fall in Ancaquia CB while leading the favorite's group, he promised to return for the top spot, and next season he acquired his third win in his career. He also was part of the debut squad of US Postal in a tour (Tour of the Sanreizan) giving a hand in the sprints for the new rising talent of the team, Pete McCain. He also won the National Road Champion of his country at end of season 45, with 34 years old, the oldest venezuelan rider to conquer the national jersey.
With 35 years, and far of his form, Porfirio agreed with the team manager to end his journey in the OCM; New Race of Man #34 was his last race wearing the colors of his country, feeling that after all the dificult times, and problems; his dream was having a happy end.
Right now Porfirio is part of the US Postal staff, and behind his desk, he keeps his national jersey signed by all his team, and a newspaper cut flashing a young Porfirio leading the group in Roubaix.
Venezuela