Nairo Quintana gives up on goal of riding GC at Giro d'Italia - Colombian 'committed' to chasing stage wins

Nairo Quintana signed with Movistar and hoped to return to the Giro d'Italia, where he's won in the past, to fight for the overall classification and possibly the pink jersey. However, this will not happen, following very complicated months riddled with mishaps.

“The plan is to hunt for stage victories in the mountains,” Quintana said in the presentation of his Gran Fondo. “I am ready to give everything of myself. I will participate as a rider among the other riders. I will suffer with the animals, but it is important to be there. We are committed to it 100%."

Hence, Quintana confirms his presence in the Corsa Rosa, but also that the plan will be to chase stage wins. It does not come as a surprise, as the Movistar rider was struck by several unexpected obstacles. He tested positive for Covid-19 directly after the Tour Colombia which saw him delay his return and race schedule in Europe significantly.

He did return to competition at the Volta a Catalunya, but crashed twice during the week and abandoned on the final day. The injuries he suffered were not severe, but led him to not start Itzulia Basque Country as planned. The alternative, at the Tour of the Alps, was also excluded. Quintana will come into the Giro without any recent competition, and will likely chase stage wins in the mountains over the final weeks of racing; whilst Einer Rubio may attempt to go for the GC for the Spanish team.