Lawson Craddock (EF Pro Cycling) is no stranger to Colombia's climate and elevation. But in the 2020 edition of the Tour Colombia 2.1, that factor is taken to the extreme, as every stage in the Boyoca region where this race will take place will take place at elevations of 2,500 meters or higher.

"Last year we had high hopes, but then we came here and had to sleep on the floor to get oxygen two feet lower. But it's great to be here."

Craddock and EF Pro Cycling have taken control of the race after winning the opening team time trial, with Jonathan Caicedo as race leader, followed by teammates Daniel Martinez, Sergio Igita, and Tejay Van Garderen.

The U.S.-based team will be looking to defend Caicedo's lead in a series of never-simple sprint stages, starting with a climb and ending with a long, flat finish for a group sprint.

"This race is very challenging, and I think that's mainly because of the altitude," Craddock said. 'Compared to last year, it's probably a lot easier, but on a day like yesterday it was very difficult.'

On stage 3, EF Pro Cycling had to hold off a breakaway group that included Oscar Sevilla (Team Medellin), a dangerous climber who is expected to play a role in Friday's summit finish and Sunday's queen stage. But the team pulled together and pulled back the breakaway group to give UAE Team Emirates' Sebastian Morano his second sprint stage win of the week.

"We are in a good and bad situation," Craddock said. "We had the advantage in the team time trial. Yesterday we did. Yesterday it was. We were able to answer the call on our own. To set up a strong group of riders for the finish is a great motivation going into today."

Friday's stage is the first real mountain test for the GC riders, with a Category 3 climb just 2.9 km from the small and charming town of Santa Rosa de Viterbo.

"We'll probably see a Colombian showdown on the climb before the finish today. It's one of the hardest stages of the week."

Martinez, Iguita, and Rigoberto Urán are currently with EF Pro Cycling and are eager to make their mark on their home Tour. Uran lost time in Tuesday's opening race, but remains in contention for a stage win.

"Obviously they are incredibly strong. Dani [Martinez], Sergio [Iguita], Tejer [Van Garderen], and Caicedo in the time trial."

"I think the team has really done their homework for this race. 'The other teams aren't making it easy for us either. But fortunately we have some cards up our sleeve. We just have to be smart about how we use our guys and make sure we put somebody at the top of the podium."

The plan is to set up the climbers for a top finish on today's stage, keep them safe for Saturday's stage, which is likely to end in a sprint, and then set them up again for Sunday's final stage, the 3,290m-high Alto del Verjón. The team will set up again for Sunday's final stage, the 3,290-meter-high Alto del Verjón.

"It's simple to say, but once you get going, it's tough because everyone is going to hit you as hard as they can," Craddock said. But it's a good thing. Yesterday was really great. Tejay was really great yesterday. He put aside his personal ambitions to help the team, and we have Rigo [Uran]. He's a champion for the people here in Colombia, and yesterday he was the first one to go up and start working.

"It's incredible for us," Craddock continued. "

Personally, Columbia has become my favorite place to start the season, even if it means sleeping on the floor of a hotel room in Pipa.

"I love starting the season here in Colombia. The food is good, the climate is great, and I get to do some good high-altitude training."

The only drawback for the 27-year-old Texan is that he will be separated from his wife and young daughter on Valentine's Day.

"I will miss my daughters on Valentine's Day, but my wife and daughter just flew to Girona and I look forward to seeing them back after this race," he said.