Former Vuelta a Colombia stage winner Frank Osorio and Team Colombia have agreed to the rider stepping back from the team at this point in time, with the squad saying that he is unable to compete at the moment.
The 24 year old showed his ability when he took stage twelve of the 2011 Vuelta a Colombia and finished fifteenth overall, but struggled last year.
The team has now announced that it and the rider have mutually agreed to end the contract prior to the start of the new season as a result of an ongoing injury to his left knee and leg.
“Frank is struggling with the recovery from his injury and he honestly admitted that he did not feel ready to follow the team in Italy, as he still cannot train in full strength,” said General Manager Claudio Corti. “We would have loved to give Frank the opportunity to show his value after an unlucky season.”
However he doesn’t rule out a return in the future. “We wish him all the best for his healing process and the upcoming season, and we hope he will get back to our group as soon as the issue is solved.”
The team was recently confirmed as getting a wild card for the Giro d’Italia, its first Grand Tour.