The latest in a long line of natural Colombian climbers, he took the king of the mountains jersey and subsequently finished sixth overall in the 2000 race.

He clinched another top 10 place last year but failed to better his efforts of the previous years.

He has recently added some strong time trials to his career record.

And, even if this has blunted his climbing ability, it might just be taking Botero on a path towards the Tour podium.