Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana returns to the international peloton with the Spanish team Movistar after more than a year of inactivity following his disqualification from the 2022 Tour de France for using a banned substance.
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At 33, the winner of the 2014 Tour of Italy and the 2016 Tour of Spain, who finished on the Tour de France podium three times, is back. In 2024, Nairo Quintana will wear the colors of the Spanish team that he left in 2019 for the Bretons of Arkéa-Samsic, after a season without competition following a positive test for tramadol.
Quintana says to himself “ in shape, at a sporting level »
“ I dreamed of being in the competition […] and today, thanks to this new opportunity, I still dream “, declared Nairo Quintana during a press conference Monday, October 30 in Bogota. He had not been signed by any professional team in 2023, although he had been authorized to compete by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
“ I knew that Colombians, with all their hearts (…) wanted me to be on the road again “, said the climber during this event organized by the team sponsor.
In 2022, the UCI announced its disqualification from the Tour de France due to two positive tests for the analgesic tramadol, banned in cycling since 2019. The Colombian placed sixth. His appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was rejected. This decision ended up costing him his place within the French team Arkéa-Samsic. Even though he hasn’t competed for over a year, he says he is ” in shape, at a sporting level » thanks to his training.
The return home
It was in 2012, with Movistar, that the native of Tunja began his international career in a European team. Spaniard Eusebio Unzué, manager of Movistar, said he hoped “ generate hopes » among fans with this reunion.
“ It’s very emotional for me to be back homedeclared Nairo Quintana a few days ago when announcing the signing of his return. The year has been so difficult. Sleepless nights, so many days of sacrifice, riding my bike. But it was all worth it. I will not let this opportunity pass. I know the values of the team, the values of the sport. I will give everything I have to do things right and I want to help the team achieve the best results. »
Although Nairo Quintana has not announced which competitions he will attend next year, he has stated that he would like to represent Colombia at the 2024 Paris Olympics.