Nairo Quintana does not give up: "Nairo is eager, Nairo is well, let's hope there will be Nairo for a while".

The RCN channel in Colombia broadcast a documentary on the figure of Nairo Quintana in which the rider talked about the bad times he is going through for not having a WorldTour team to compete this season after being sanctioned in the last Tour de France for testing positive for tramadol. In statements collected by Antena 2, he thanked the Colombian fans for their unwavering support all this time:

"When I was on my way to Bucaramanga, the manager and the president of the Federation called me and told me: 'Here are all your fans waiting for you, they came for you'. When I arrived there were a lot of people and I was very surprised, very happy. It was something special for me."

The winner of the Vuelta a España and the Giro d'Italia explains that the fans have always been the ones who have been with him in difficult moments and that is why on many occasions he has not raced for himself, but for his country:

"Throughout my career I have won many awards, I have suffered a lot and I have always said that the greatest prize I have achieved is the support of my people. In this difficult moment, where we have gone through bad times, there is that support that for years I have given back to them. I thank all my fans. Many times I have not pedaled for me, but for my country".

He concluded by recalling the tears of the Colombian championship, his last race, and made it clear that he continues with his goal of finding a team this year in the elite despite all the difficulties".

"Those tears were the expression of 'thanks for the thanks'. It was very nice, I cried and images still come to my mind. To all the Colombians who have given me their affection and love, thank you very much. Nairo is willing, Nairo is well, let's hope there will be Nairo for a long time".