Nairo Quintana before Provence queen stage: "It's a climb that is good for my characteristics and I hope I do good"

Before the queen stage of the Tour de la Provence, one of the main favourites Nairo Quintana has spoken this morning in what is a crucial day in his early-season calendar.

Asked by CyclingPro whether he knew the climb he was tackling, the Colombian had a very direct answer: "Yes, I did it in 2013. The preparation was different. I hope the team work will be good, it has been throughout the race."

As he used his non-native French, he added, "It's a climb that is good for my characteristics and I hope I do good, and give the team a cheer."

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"All the team in general did a positive work. For us it's a year that's starting very well," he stated. "Today I hope for a very fast race, nervous, the first in the overall classification are less than a minute behind. It should be a stage that will be beautiful for the spectators."

Quintana is currently sitting 32 seconds behind Filippo Ganna but 30 behind what should be his main rival Julian Alaphilippe. Today the stage will have it's finale in the Montagne du Lure, 13.4 kilometers at 6.5% where the Arkéa - Samsic rider is hoping to get his first win of the season.