"Good feelings are coming" for Nairo Quintana after strong performance at Paris-Nice

Nairo Quintana has had a very strong start to the season, replicating his 2020 success of winning the Tour de la Provence and the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var. Despite not having taken a stage at Paris-Nice, as he has in 2020, he wrapped off the week with a fifth place in the overall classification in a race where he was very active and showed good legs.

“I am 5th in Paris-Nice which is a very big race on the UCI WorldTour calendar, the team did another good job," Quintana said of his recent performance at Paris-Nice. Although the race's time-trial saw him struggle to stay within contention of the podium, Quintana rode strong throughout the week. Thriving in the crosswind stages, responding to the attacks in the mountains and resisting the tough weather that has made it impossible for dozens of riders to complete the race (only 59 riders completed Paris-Nice).

"I feel that the good feelings are coming, in fact this year I am in contact with the best, that gives me confidence for the next races that are coming, that I know well and that I have already won, the Volta a Catalunya, with longer climbs, I hope to be in good condition on this race. I would like to thank all the people who follow me and the Arkéa-Samsic team, and especially those who offer us their support," he concluded.

Quintana will be present at the Volta a Catalunya in less than two weeks, a race which he has won back in 2016 and has a good track record of. Being favourable towards the climbers, the Colombian is sure to be once again battling for the top spots of the overall classification.