Nairo Quintana could be on his way to Arkéa's rival team

Nairo Quintana is finding himself in a difficult situation after he tested positive for Tramadol at the Tour de France, now standing without a contract for the 2023 season and with a recent suspension overshadowing his recent palmarès.

The Colombian had reached an agreement with Arkéa Samsic to re-sign for another three seasons all the way into 2025, but the deal has been cut, and the 32-year old now finds himself without a contract for the coming year as the French team are not interested in keeping him on board towards their first season at World Tour level.

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L'Equipe has reported that Quintana is however in contacts with a French team, eyeing negotiations and a contract for the 2023 season. Velonews' Daniel Benson also confirmed that the team is no Cofidis, as said by Quintana's own agent.

That only leaves two possibilities, with Groupama - FDJ and AG2R Citroën Team being the two possibilities. Neither of the teams has had a Colombian rider for a long period of time or has any meaningful Spanish-speaking riders, however Quintana's fluency in French could facilitate contacts. Although it is not referred to as a possibility, B&B Hotels-KTM are having an increase in budget, which could be allocated into big transfers in which Quintana could fit.

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