Nairo Quintana is one of the most beloved cyclist in Colombia at the moment, and this is not only for his sporting merits, with a dazzling record that makes him undoubtedly the best cyclist in the history of the South American country with a Giro, a Vuelta and 3 podiums in the Tour de France. He is also for his social involvement.
So, yesterday, after receiving the Order of Democracy Simon Bolivar for his involvement and help to the progress of Colombian cycling, he launched a cry for help to the government. For some time now, Colombian cycling has not been at its best, and stars such as Nairo himself, Egan Bernal, Rigoberto Urán or Daniel Martínez have not been emerging.
The situation is not good and every time a big Colombian star speaks he always compares the means that the young people of the country have with those in Europe. They are light years away and the Movistar Team climber yesterday wanted to ask for help:
"Seeing so many problems that arise in our country, I invite you to watch over us at this time. We are witnessing a big budget cut to athletes, to the Ministry of Sport and here no one has heard anything, no one has known anything, and no one talks about it. Historically we have brought many difficulties that day by day we have been working not only on the bicycle to give good results, to continue representing our country, but we have also put on our gloves and hats to work for our young people".
We will see what happens in Colombian cycling in the next few years. The truth is that it is worrying that none of the cyclists who shine in South American races can then go to Europe to compete. We are sure that 'Nairoman' will continue to get involved so that the sport he loves continues to improve in a country that breathes cycling on all four sides.