"I’m going to work to earn that spot" - Nairo Quintana wants to race a Grand Tour in what should be his last pro season

Nairo Quintana’s name returns to the spotlight as the cycling calendar kicks off. While the peloton his last year in the peloton a decisive 2026 in his professional career.

Amid conflicting reports about his future and his role at Movistar Team, the Colombian rider has chosen to answer on the road. Quintana maintains that his relationship with European cycling remains open and that his priority is to perform in competition, steering clear of external debates.

In recent days, several Spanish outlets suggested Nairo Quintana would not initially feature in Movistar Team’s plans for the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, or Vuelta a España. The rider himself pushed back against those claims and made it clear he is still fighting for a place at the sport’s biggest dates.

“The start will be in Spain, then I’ll travel to the United Arab Emirates and later I’ll race in Italy, among other events. We’re training well and preparing in the best way for what’s coming,” he told ESPN Ciclismo, confirming his season is already underway.

Although he is not currently the designated leader, Quintana accepts his role within the team without giving up ambition. The Colombian knows where he stands, but insists that as long as he has the motivation to compete and contribute, he will keep training at the highest level.

Last season left an open wound for Nairo Quintana. Despite riding the Giro d’Italia, an injury at the Vuelta a Burgos prevented him from taking the start at the Vuelta a España, a race of special significance for him and for the Telefónica-backed squad.

“Last year it was tough to miss the Vuelta when I was in good shape. That race is very important for the team and you need to arrive with the strongest riders. I’m going to work to earn that spot,” said the Colombian, pointing to the Spanish Grand Tour as one of his main goals.

Quintana, who wasn't present at the team's training camp in December as he was completing an academic training program in Chicago, has since returned to his preparation for the upcoming season. The veteran has a road captain and experience-transmitting role in the team.

Beyond the calendar, Quintana also reflected on the current state of cycling and the context of a Movistar Team competing against structures with larger budgets. Even so, the Colombian stressed that discipline, consistency, and hunger to race remain the engine that drives his day to day.