Nairo Quintana finds himself without a current team. He has received offers from smaller outfits in Colombia, rosters that would allow him to race in South American events and perhaps a modest European test. Yet nothing substantial has materialized. Despite being one of the era’s best climbers, carrying his nation’s flag, winning grand tours, and standing on the podium multiple times, teams showing interest in him for the Tour, the Vuelta, or the Giro have been scarce. The sport is demanding today, and those who miss the mark feel the consequence, regardless of name recognition.
Colombia had been buzzing with speculation for days. Quintana’s withdrawal announcement came as he neared his 33rd birthday. Documentaries had been planned, and a final filming day was scheduled for late January. The Boyacá-born rider, a cyclist from a small town, was expected to announce his retirement from professional racing because he had not secured a team offer.
capital surprise
During a show watched by millions, a gathering at a cafe-restaurant gathering journalists and promoting a road tour in Mexico next month became the scene for the unexpected. Quintana’s message, delivered in a lengthy note attributed to the broker who represented him, stated, “I don’t have a team yet, but I am available.” The event also served to honor his contributions to cycling and to affirm his longing to stay connected to his homeland, described as riding the “little steel horse” as he calls his bike. Quintana plans to keep racing in carbon wheels, even if it means starting anew in Europe.
Training details touched on the use of certain medications, such as Tramadol, an opioid analgesic that faced competition bans in recent years. In 2023, it was prohibited in competition but allowed for training, with broader sanctions starting in 2024. Quintana knew that using it during a Tour would be out of the question. If detected at a checkpoint, it could cost him a high finish and raise questions about fairness.
Unlike Superman
Following the episode, the French squad Arkéa chose to exclude him from the Vuelta for underperforming, illustrating how European, American, and Australian teams are re-evaluating their rosters. The door to the sport’s biggest tours and classic races has been tightening, with some speaking of a culture of silence around doping. The reality is that modern cycling is tightening norms for athletes who have minimal tolerance for prohibited substances.
Quintana is likely to travel to Europe, possibly via Andorra, and continue seeking teams where a reduced salary can still be justified, especially if a breakthrough opportunity arises similar to a prominent teammate’s departure. An anti-doping operation had previously brought scrutiny to a Latino squad, and a team from his homeland responded by relocating operations with intentions that did not overburden their payroll.
“I’ll keep going as long as I can,” Quintana reportedly said, stressing that he has faced extensive testing and remains confident in his integrity. He emphasized his commitment to fair play and wearing the number one jersey again if the chance arises. The season has already started in several regions, including Australia, Argentina, and Mallorca.
(Source: industry coverage and statements from multiple cycling outlets.)