23/10/2023

Colombia explodes against Arkéa Samsic after "dishonorable" first season without Nairo Quintana

The 2023 season of professional cycling has left a shadow of challenges for French team Arkéa Samsic, a year after not renewing Nairo Quintana's contract due to his positive for tramadol at the 2022 Tour de France. As the dust settles at the end of the season, criticism from Colombia has been inevitable as the team failed to fill the void left by the talented climber.

Arkéa Samsic has had a tumultuous year in the World Tour. The absence of Nairo Quintana, who was a key pillar in the team's structure and contributed significantly to its rise from the Pro Team category to cycling's elite, was felt strongly. During the 2023 season, the French team failed to score any victories in the World Tour, a stark contrast to previous years in which Nairo had shone in major competitions.

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At the end of the season, Arkéa Samsic ranked 19th out of 20 teams in cycling's top category over the 2023 season. This position puts the French team in a worrying situation, as it is in the relegation places.

Hope on the horizon.

The one who is still without a team after leaving Arkéa is Nairo Quintana. Statements from the ITA (Testing Agency) in Semana suggest that the Colombian rider has a high chance of returning to official competitions next year. The organization is investigating his case, and his return could be an injection of enthusiasm for Colombian cycling fans.