"I'm very short of form, but I hope to help as much as possible" - Nairo Quintana sets realistic Giro d'Italia goals

The Giro d'Italia 2024, which starts this Saturday, May 4, will mark the Grand Tour return of Nairo Quintana. Self-admittedly however, the Colombian isn't coming into the race with his top-level.

"Thrilled to be in a Grand Tour. You never stop dreaming. I've had a difficult start to 2024 because of injuries. I came in very short of form because I couldn't train. I had very few days for it. You have to see the conditions, how I am gaining level every day. Until you find yourself in the same competition you are not calm," explains Quintana in a video shared by his Movistar Team ahead of the race.

In addition, Quintana recalls his overall victory at the 2014 Giro. "The 2014 Giro d'Italia was my first victory in a Grand Tour, 10 years ago. You're a kid and you're going to go for the kill, smashing into anything. But we've changed, and with it has come a generational change in cycling. I've now completed almost 20 three-week tours, an experience that has given me life and this beautiful sport, so I also have to pass it on and enjoy it".

Finally, as already announced, Nairo Quintana confirms once again that he will not go for the general classification, and that in addition to seeking stage victories he will try to contribute and help Movistar Team in everything that is necessary throughout the three weeks of the Giro: "I want to continue working to be able to stay very well. I want to contribute to the team and be able to help the victory, logically: to Will (Barta) where we can, to Einer (Rubio) also to give him a hand..., and that they can also have that next step they need".