Nairo Quintana Returns to Movistar: Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing New Goals

Nairo Quintana Returns to Movistar: A Triumph Over Adversity

Nairo Quintana, the Colombian cycling sensation, has announced his return to Movistar, his first European team. After a challenging period in his career, Quintana believes he has overcome the obstacles that led to his year-long absence from the sport. In an emotional press conference held in Bogotá, Quintana expressed his deep connection with the team and his excitement to compete at the highest level once again.

A Dream Come True

When asked about his greatest dream, Quintana replied, “To wear the race number on my back. On that day, I will feel like it’s my first day of competition in Tunja all over again.”

After a disappointing stint with French club Arkéa, where he spent three lackluster seasons, Quintana found himself without a European team for a year. This was due to the controversy surrounding his use of the painkiller tramadol during last year’s Tour de France. Although he was disqualified from the race, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) did not consider it doping. However, Quintana faced an unofficial ban from teams and organizers, influenced by the president of the International Cycling Union (UCI), David Lappartient.

Despite doubts about his future, Quintana’s determination and resilience prevailed. He stated, “Sometimes when they tell me no, it annoys me, and I say yes.” Quintana never stopped training, and while he acknowledges that it will take time to reach his peak performance, he is confident that he will regain his form. Quintana considers his reunion with Movistar and the opportunity to continue his cycling journey as a victory in itself.

A Return to Glory

Quintana fondly reminisced about his previous victories with Movistar, including his triumphs in the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. Displayed on stage were the jerseys that symbolize these achievements: the pink jersey from the 2014 Giro, the red jersey from the 2016 Vuelta, and the white jersey that marked his youth championship in the 2015 Tour.

The negotiations for Quintana’s return to Movistar began during the last Vuelta a España, where he had a conversation with team manager Eusebio Unzué in Andorra. Unzué expressed his unwavering belief in Quintana’s abilities and leadership qualities. He stated, “With his experience, character, and wise advice, Nairo will be a leader every day. Enric Mas, the team’s current leader, will greatly benefit from Quintana’s presence. We may even see him competing with the best in major races.”

A Colombian Hero

In Colombia, Quintana is an idol to a nation accustomed to the heroic struggles of its climbers. He was the first Colombian to win the Giro d’Italia and accumulate two major victories before the emergence of Egan Bernal. Despite falling short of his yellow dream in the Tour de France due to Chris Froome’s dominance, Quintana now feels relieved of that burden in his mature years. He acknowledged, “We Colombians fulfilled our dream with Egan Bernal. I am passing the baton. It is a shared responsibility among all Colombian cyclists.”

Subscribe here to the EL PAÍS newsletter about Colombia and here to the channel on WhatsApp to receive all the essential information about current events in the country.