Nairo Quintana ambitioning Tour de France podium: "I hope to be able to complete it"

Nairo Quintana wasn't a certainty to be in the fight for the Tour de France GC, however over the last few weeks the Colombian has proved consistent and strong in the high mountains, carrying a level high enough to be in the battle for the podium which he is targeting.

“We are more than a small handful of riders very close to the podium, I hope to be able to complete it," Quintana told reporters ahead of the final day of the race. “To get there are three big mountain stages that will be looming in the coming days in the Pyrénées. They can decide on the general classification before the last time trial. In any case, these are beautiful stages, and that I know very well.”

Having finished second in the Col du Granon, the leader of Arkéa Samsic has gotten himself up to sixth place in the overall classification with consistent performances over the remaining mountain stages and a quality ride on the cobbles of northern France. Despite missing Nicolas Edet's support in the mountains and having Warren Barguil abandoning the Tour with Covid-19, the veteran climber has never seemed to be in an urgent position.

With three mountainous stages, each with steep gradients and into the third week, Quintana should be in his playground. Altitude won't be a factor in the Pyrenees however his climbing prowess may do the job.

Teammate Connor Swift told Velonews that "he’s got that experience now and you can see he uses it. He really monitors his recovery really well, he’s really focused on positioning in the bunch to save energy, all those extra things make the difference".

At the end of three weeks, the French team will be hoping that these details mount up and that their star rider is able to ascent from sixth place in the final classification.