Nairo Quintana reacts to La Vuelta non-selection: "Ten years ago I won the Vuelta a España, and I would have liked to say goodbye there"
CyclingWednesday, 19 August 2026 at 19:38
Movistar have revealed their lineup for the 2026 Vuelta a España, based around the GC ambitions of Enric Mas and Cian Uitjdebroeks; and with a roster packed with quality stage hunters. The omission of Nairo Quintana from the '8' came as a surprise, something the Colombian hadn't expected in what was his final chance to race a Grand Tour.
Movistar leave Quintana at home during La Vuelta
With Einer Rubio out of competition following his collision with a UAE vehicle during the ascent of the Alpe d'Huez at the Tour de France, one more spot wa sopen for the Vuelta. Quintana, winner of the Vuelta Asturias earlier this year, 18th at the Vuelta a Burgos and a rider who did not participate in any other Grand Tour, looked to be a rather certain figure to take part in the final Grand Tour of the season.
The 36-year old, who will retire this winter, has won two Grand Tours in the colours of Movistar, which includes the 2016 Vuelta a España. 10 years later, he could end his career in it, but that will not happen. Movistar's lineup also includes Orluis Aular, Iván Romeo, Carlos Canal, Jorge Arcas, Raúl García Pierna and Pablo Castrillo.
Performance was the absolute priority, and the team put the veteran aside. “Ten years ago I won the Vuelta a España, and I would have liked to say goodbye there," Quintana said in words to Caracol Radio.
“They’ve chosen the riders who will represent them in the Vuelta and, in the end, I’ve been left out. Now it’s a case of carrying on cycling and looking ahead to the goals for the rest of this year, which is the final year of my career.”
A quality climber, Quintana took the first win since his tramadol suspension this year in Spain, winning at the Vuelta Asturias. But even his recent performances on the climbs did not convince the team.
Enric Mas will be a leader at Movistar's La Vuelta pursuit; Quintana will not be part of the tea
Read also
Quintana may end career at Montreal World Championships
Quintana's schedule has been left rather empty after his non-selection to the race, having had La Vuelta in mind during his preparation. It is still possible that he will take part in some Italian Autumn classics or other races until the end of the year, but for the time being only one race is certain in his schedule.
That is the World Championships in Montréal, Canada. “I feel very happy because I will be able to represent my country in such an important event,” he revealed.
On his career, a lot of tributes are likely to be paid over the coming months. For the time being, Quintana is still focusing on his performance. “It’s still a good one. It’s been my team all my life, I’ve raced a great deal for them, and you have to understand the decisions".
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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