"Completely impossible" - Nairo Quintana believes he would've never competed with Tadej Pogacar; talks Chris Froome rivalry

Nairo Quintana is bringing his professional cycling career to a close, satisfied that he gave everything on the bike. One of Colombia’s leading cycling figures over the past decade, he is stepping away from competition after a career defined by major victories, the affection of the fans and battles against some of the world’s best riders. He has discussed Chris Froome, Tadej Pogacar and more.

In an interview with MARCA, the Movistar Team climber reflects on his career, recalls its toughest moments and looks to the future with new projects.

His farewell in Colombia held special meaning. Beyond the results and titles, Quintana cherishes the bond he has built with the fans and the joy he has brought to a country that has found hope in cycling.

“I’m very, very happy. Our country has lived and breathed cycling, and people love the sport. It’s a country that badly needs reasons to celebrate, and that’s what we’ve been able to give people throughout these years of racing.”

Looking back, Quintana knows what cycling has given him above all else. The Colombian puts the support he has received over the years ahead of the sporting successes that defined his career.

“The best thing has been all the people who have supported me and all the affection they’ve shown me. It’s been wonderful. Beyond the titles themselves, because titles remain, but the fans’ support lives on".

"And the bad? Yes, there have been some really tough things, but we’ve been able to keep going and bring this chapter to a close the way we have: with a final race in Italy and a fantastic celebration of Colombian cycling, surrounded by all our friends and fans. That was really special.”

The Colombian acknowledges that he has also faced difficult times, but prefers to focus on how he has been able to bring this chapter to a close: with a final race in Italy and a major celebration of Colombian cycling alongside friends and fans.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Quintana’s career concerns the Tour de France, the goal he pursued during his best years and the race in which he came closest to victory. The Colombian won the Giro d’Italia and LaVuelta, but never wore the yellow jersey in Paris.

Asked whether he would trade those victories for a Tour win, he gives a firm answer. Quintana believes he gave everything he had and sees no point in regretting what he could not achieve.

“No. I always say I gave my best. The Tour was clearly always the goal, and it was the closest we came when I started out. I gave it everything. Having done that, there’s no point asking myself what I lacked, or why, or what for. I’m very happy with my career; I gave 100%. And I always had teams behind me, helping me try to achieve it.”

The Colombian also highlights the support of the teams that backed him in pursuit of that goal. His conclusion is clear: he leaves satisfied with his career because he feels he made the most of his opportunities.

Quintana’s story is closely tied to Movistar Team and Eusebio Unzué, one of the key figures in his professional career. The Colombian rider is deeply grateful to the team manager, whom he sees as central not only to his successes but also to the growth of Colombian cycling.

“He’s known me since I joined the team, and we’ve always had a very good relationship. I’m immensely grateful to him because, in the end, it’s not just Nairo who has benefited. Colombian cycling and everything he has helped build, all those great achievements, are also thanks to Eusebio and the team. That has brought us together. I have enormous respect for Eusebio and I’m grateful to him from the bottom of my heart. I’m sure our friendship will last for many years.”

During his years at the top, Quintana fought some of international cycling’s most memorable battles against Chris Froome. The Colombian acknowledges that the Briton had the better of their encounters and points to two factors that shaped those contests: the strength of Froome’s team and Quintana’s disadvantage in the time trials.

“He beat me, he beat me. They had the strongest team, and I was at a big disadvantage in the time trials. That was always a handicap for me. Even so, I could do my best to defend myself and secure a good position. He was here, and we talked. Beyond the rivalry, what’s great about this sport is that it gives you friends. And the fans wanted to see him too, because many people were inspired and motivated by those riders to keep going. In the end, this is a country that needs reasons to celebrate and courageous role models who can inspire people as they face everyday life.”

Quintana is equally certain when asked to compare the rider he was in 2015 with today’s Tadej Pogacar. The Colombian rules out being able to compete with the Slovenian on equal terms, even during the best years of his career.

“No. Impossible, impossible. Completely impossible. I couldn’t have competed, even at my best. I had the numbers I had, and in recent years I even improved them, but I was getting further and further away from the general classification. Back then, with the watts I had, I could put in very good performances and defend myself".

"Later, even with more watts, I found my place helping and contributing, and then the time came to leave. We made the decision two years ago, and this year, at the Volta a Catalunya, we announced that it would be my last season. At 36, after a long career, it was time to spend more time with my family, rest and take on new projects.”

Quintana also had words of praise for the young riders at Movistar Team. He believes the team’s investment in new talent is beginning to pay off, highlighting the progress of riders such as Pablo Castrillo and Iván Romeo, as well as Carlos Canal and Pelayo Sanchez, who is continuing his recovery from injury.

“The team has taken important steps with riders they backed, and now the results are starting to show. Pablo, Iván Romeo and this whole group of riders who arrived three years ago are now establishing themselves as top-class riders. There’s Canal, and Pelayo, who is now working his way back after his injuries. I’m sure they’ll keep progressing and are reaching a very good point in their careers because they now have everything: experience, power and the start of their peak years.”

For the Colombian, these riders are reaching a decisive stage in their development, beginning to combine experience, physical ability and competitive maturity. Much of the team’s future depends on continuing to develop that talent and giving young riders the chance to establish themselves at the top level.

The Colombian also spoke about Movistar Team’s situation and the structure’s prospects for the future. Quintana believes the team has options among its partners and sponsors, and is confident it can continue.

“They have other potential sponsors among their partners, and I think they’ll be working on that. Enric Mas has had a good result this year, so I don’t think they’ll have a problem.”