Nairo Quintana stays grounded before returning to the WorldTour in February. The Colombian, who will resume competing for Movistar after his suspension, acknowledges a new generation entering the battlefield. “I won’t be the same cyclist as before, with these super winners of today,” Quintana told journalist Carlos Arribas of El Pais.
Career hiatus
After a break of over twelve months following a positive test for Tramadol, Nairo Quintana is on the verge of returning to the WorldTour. In the upcoming season, the Colombian will defend the colors of an old acquaintance. Quintana previously competed for Movistar from 2012 to 2019 and will be back in 2024.
New generation of champions
However, the experienced Colombian understands that cycling has changed. “Everyone wants me to win, but we have to be aware that a new generation of cyclists has arrived,” said Quintana. “Although I really want to and still have a good bike, I don’t think I will be the same rider as before, with all these super winners on the scene.”
“The last thing I want is to deceive anyone, to say that I will win when we don’t really know what the sporting response will be. I’m not 20, 22, or 23 years old like these young leaders,” Quintana continues.
However, the Colombian doesn’t completely fade away. “I’m sure I’ll be very close to some big names, but I don’t believe I’ll be at the level of the three, four, or five leaders who are always fighting for almost all the major races in the world.”
First challenge will be the Giro d’Italia
In the upcoming season, Quintana’s first challenge will be the Giro d’Italia. There, he will aim for the general classification. However, he will make his official comeback at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, starting on January 31, 2024.
The small Colombian, standing at only 1.67m, concludes in a realistic manner. “Times have changed, things are aging, and people too. I’m no longer twenty, as I was when I really shone and thrilled people with my victories.”
