Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana confirmed on Sunday that he will retire from racing this season, making this year’s Vuelta a España his final career start.
The 36-year-old Movistar racer made the announcement at a press conference in Barcelona on Sunday evening, shortly before the start of the Volta a Catalunya, which he won back in 2016.
That was far from being Quintana’s only major victory, with two podium finishes in the Tour de France, and outright triumph in the 2014 Giro d’Italia – Colombia’s first-ever win in the race – and 2016 Vuelta a España to his name. Amongst his 54 career triumphs were also two editions of Tirreno-Adriatico, an Itzulia Basque Country and a Tour of Romandie, as well as multiple stage wins in all three Grand Tours.
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“I learned that this wasn’t just a sport. It was a way of life—lived step by step, without rushing the process. Then, in 2012, a new chapter began.
“From that point on—race after race, victory after victory—my triumphs were not mine alone; they belonged to an entire continent. They belonged to the Colombian land—to every life, every climb, and every finish line crossed.
“These were moments of constant growth—a journey that allowed me to mature both as an athlete and as a human being. It was a wonderful chapter, filled with learning, respect, and immense gratitude.”
“I am not speaking of a farewell; I am speaking of a beginning—a new beginning where I want to continue building, creating businesses, opening up opportunities, supporting both competitive and recreational sports, and giving back to the people—especially the youth—everything that cycling has given me.”
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