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.

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.