Nairo Quintana is being made to "pay for the mistakes of the past" according to Gianni Savio

Longtime cycling manager and coach Gianni Savio has leapt to the defence of Nairo Quintana as the Colombian continues to find it hard to secure himself a World Tour ride in 2023.

"Nairo, he has been unfortunate and is in a complex situation," Savio said, explaining his thoughts on the complicated situation regarding the Colombian climber. "He can race because he is not disqualified, but today's cycling pays for the mistakes of the past."

Alongside Quintana, fellow Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez has also suffered his own issues regarding questions of doping. Lopez was sacked unceremoniously by his former Astana Qazaqstan Team recently and Savio revealed he has less sympathy with him.

"It is difficult to comment on López, it is a strange moment for him but he seems to be enjoying racing in a Colombian team," Savio said before declaring who he believes will be Colombia's main riders in the peloton this year. I think that in 2023 the protagonists will be Higuita, Urán, Dani Martínez and Bernal. I hope Egan will be the one from 2019 again."