As a gesture of support for team riders Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo, who recently lost their brother Armando in tragic circumstances, the Jamis/Sutter Home Pro Cycling Team has announced a change to its programme for the start of the 2011 season.
The US pro cycling squad had been scheduled to once again begin racing with the Tour de San Luis on January 17th, but the Argentinean event has scratched from the race programme and another South American event included instead.
“Our athletes and staff mourn the untimely death of Armando Borrajo, elder brother of our teammates Alejandro and Anibal Borrajo,” said directeur sportif Sebastian Alexandre. “Out of respect for Alejandro, Anibal, and their entire family, we will not race the Tour de San Luis, traditionally the first event on our calendar, and will open the season with the Vuelta de Chile.”
The latter event runs from January 27th to February 6th and is ranked 2.2on the UCI’s American Tour calendar.
Armando Borrajo passed away on December 18th, apparently by his own hand. He was traumatised following a two-day kidnapping. The incident is under investigation.
He was national road race champion in 2006 and last year won a stage in the Tour de San Juan.