Nairo Quintana returned the love for Colombian cycling to 'El Diablo'. He brought back memories of his visit to the country in 1995, during the World Road Race Championship, and his friend Nelson 'Cacaito' Rodriguez. He denied his supposed retirement from major cycling races and confessed that his bet was on Alberto Contador in 2015.
Dieter 'Didi' Senft was born in Riechenwalde, Germany, in 1952. He had to secretly watch the Tour de France because the western television programs were censored in his hometown. It was there, in front of the TV, where he came up with the idea for his internationally recognized character: 'El Diablo'.
Dressed in red and with a trident, he has attended 22 Tours de France. He only missed one, as he was operated on for blood clots in his brain. When he is not cheering up the 21 stages of the Tour every year, he dedicates himself to his bike workshop in Berlin. He holds more than 20 Guinness Records, including the world's largest bicycle.
Why do you call yourself 'El Diablo' and where did the idea come from?
"In Germany, journalists used to say that cyclists approached the devil's segment, or the flames, depending on the region. They always refer to the final kilometers of the races. And there I thought: 'At that moment, the Devil is necessary!' And I created my characters."
Before starting this 2015 Tour, who was your favorite to win?
"I always thought that Contador was going to be the strong card in this Tour, but he has had some problems and has also had very bad luck. My bets were always on the Spaniard, he was my card. It's difficult, but I will root for him until the end."
Nairo Quintana is perhaps the only one who can give Froome a fight for the title. What do you think of the Colombian cyclist?
"I have heard a lot about Nairo and it would be a pleasant surprise for me if he won the Tour. Maybe, for this year, he lacks some preparation to be able to achieve it, but for next year, I am sure he will be the main candidate. I loved it when he won "my trident" at the Tirreno Adriatico (laughs)."
And were you present at the Giro d'Italia, when Nairo won it in 2014?
"Of course! I found it surprising how intelligently Nairo assumed the Giro. He is a young cyclist who can still learn a lot. I am sure he will bring joy to the Colombian people, and to cycling in general."
Did that affection with Colombia begin in 1995, when you visited our country for the Road Race World Championship?
"Yes! Colombia seemed great to me. I even took a picture with a bike in Paipa (Boyacá). I printed it in giant size and stuck it on the side of my truck, as if Colombia were my official sponsor (laughs). Of the 21 cycling World Championships I have attended, without a doubt, the one in Colombia was one of the most beautiful and varied. Many said it was going to be very dangerous, but the truth is that it was a very beautiful 10 days. With this new rise of Colombian cyclists, I think they should have another World Championship. And of course, I would visit again!"
Do you remember any Colombian cyclist from that time?
"I was very close to Nelson (Cacaito) Rodriguez. Every time we met at the Tour, I gave him a bottle of water, or I teased him. We started talking more and more, and when I went to Colombia, he was the one who accompanied me to the hotel, took me to different places. He was my guide. We were very close. I really love Colombian cycling and I want it to continue growing and see more in the major races."
On some occasions, you have decided to playfully poke the cyclists with your trident. Do you remember any particular anecdote that happened to you?
"Undoubtedly, the one I remember the most was with a Mexican cyclist. I don't remember his name, but I saw him and started chasing him and poking him with my trident. He took my trident and started doing the same to his teammates! It was very funny. But perhaps one of the most pleasant memories was when I met Marco Pantani. I dared to chase him and poke him with my trident. He never minded. It was very special to me."
As a cycling fan, what do you think of doping and how much did it affect you when the truth about Lance Armstrong came out?
"It was all very sad. Armstrong was a person who seemed focused and for many cyclists, he was the role model. It hurt the sport a lot, deeply offended it. It was an insult to the effort that many put into this sport. And that completely changed how people see cycling, now any good performance is somewhat suspicious. It's a shame."
It was said that the 2013 Tour was going to be your last, as you were going to retire. And yet, you are still in the race, as you have been doing for 22 years...
"I have never thought about retiring. I will be visiting the major cycling races for many, many, and many more years. I will continue as long as my body allows me and I have the money. Now, fortunately, I have both. I am with two companies that sponsor these trips for me. I have two more years left on my contract with them."
The only Tour you couldn't attend was in 2012 due to surgery. Are you fully recovered now?
"I had surgery for blood clots in my brain. It took me a long time to recover because they didn't know exactly what I had. After the surgery, I was perfect and was able to return to the Tour. And precisely, it was in that 2013 Tour when I saw Nairo come second and be the mountain champion. That's when I became very interested in Colombian cyclists again."
'Didi' admits, towards the end of the conversation, that the blood clots have reappeared. He tells us not to be frightened or worried, as there is currently no risk. At 63 years old, he hopes for an "exciting ending" to this edition of the Tour de France. Before saying goodbye, he asks us for a favor: "If you happen to see Nairo somewhere, tell him that 'El Diablo' sends his regards."
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Translation: Daniel Cruz @danniecruz