Nairo Quintana on 2022 Tour de France: "My wishes are fighting for the overall and be close to the podium"

Starting his third season with Arkéa - Samsic, Colombian star Nairo Quintana remains as motivated as the years before as he eyes another year full of possibilities.

"In this team we are finally playing regarding the interests that are according to the situation. My wishes are fighting for the overall and be close to the podium, but as the season goes we'll understand in what situation we'll be had and which option benefits the team the most," he stated, showing his ambitions remain high despite the flourishing of a new generation which is taking the peloton to new levels.

He hasn't had the best off pre-seasons though as only some weeks ago he was infected with Covid: "With Covid we had to stop and the preparation has been delayed, however we move forward and have recovered well and as the main objetives are up the road, it's better to happen now then later."

"I'm not a rider that has to do the best or the worst to have or not a contract. For now I'm not worried, I want to do things well and obtain some wins this season, then a renovation will depend on the results," he had to say regarding his contractual situation, as he currently does not have a contract signed for 2023 and the door may be open for a new experience.

Regarding the Tour de la Provence, where he has started today he had this to say: "It's a race that will be very fast, the teams have been aware of a preparation in team more and have had training camps, so many of them will give a fight."

Paris-Nice and the Vuelta a Catalunya are on his sights for the month of March where he is looking to hit peak form, beforehand though, besides this week's Tour de la Provence, he is likely to be present at the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var and the Faun-Ardèche Classic.