Nairo Quintana visits the Vuelta a España with the illusion of returning intact: "We are fighting to return to the races"

With the majesty of the Andorran mountains as a backdrop and its enviable tax situation making it a haven for professional cyclists, the Vuelta a España landed in Andorra with a special attraction. However, the protagonists on the steep roads were not limited to the riders with bibs on their backs. Among the murmur of the peloton and the cheers of the fans at the edge of the tracks, one stood out for his singular presence: Nairo Quintana.

Currently, the Colombian's name does not appear on any professional team roster. Since his disqualification from the Tour de France the previous year due to a positive Tramadol test, Nairo Quintana has lost his status as a professional cyclist as Arkéa Samsic let him go. Despite this, his connection to Andorra remains intact. He has a second home in this land of mountains and valleys, where he spends part of his time between various projects in Colombia.

Winner of the 2016 Vuelta a España, Quintana made his presence felt on the Andorran stage that included the challenging Coll d'Ordino, penultimate climb of the day. In addition, his figure did not go unnoticed in the start area in Andorra la Vella during the fourth stage.

The 33-year-old toured the paddock with a mix of nostalgia and excitement, exchanging chats with his colleagues, especially the six Colombian compatriots competing in the race. "The Vuelta is a race that I've always liked, and today it leaves from the door of my house, so I wanted to come down and say hello to some people," shared Quintana, who also took some time to attend to the media.

The experience, as he described it, was "strange". A hint of melancholy surfaced when asked about the most unusual thing about the situation: "Not wearing the bib," he confessed simply and softly. Nevertheless, he found beauty in the ability to enjoy, to some extent, the cycling atmosphere that has defined him.

The start in Andorra la Vella seems to be a professional cycling social club, and in this context, Quintana may seem somewhat out of place. Caught between questions about his past and the uncertainty surrounding his future, Nairo finds himself in a sporting and emotional limbo.

Crucially, the sanction Quintana received was not related to doping. Tramadol, the substance for which he tested positive, was prohibited by UCI medical regulations, but his case did not involve a doping substance under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations. However, the prospect of having tested positive for a substance that would be added to the WADA and UCI banned list in the following year has not played in his favor. Perhaps this explains why, since his dismissal from Arkéa-Samsic the previous summer, he has not found a new team.

As for his future, Quintana did not reveal specific details, which, paradoxically, in itself becomes news. "You always have to dream and hope it's possible. I'll keep fighting for what I want and what I'm made for," he said, reaffirming his desire to return to the professional peloton. "I've been doing everything possible within my means. I've been training well all year. Little by little we're going to see what's possible."

Although his statements maintain the same essence of optimism that he transmitted during the last year, this time there is a certain wear and tear in his words. The gap between his aspirations and the current reality becomes more evident. "Within my hope, and within myself, I hope so. Afterwards, reality will decide," he admitted frankly.

Regarding his search for a new team, Quintana remained vague on details. When asked about productive talks, he responded cautiously, "There have been some conversations, and I hope they will be [productive] for next year. We have simply stated our possibility of being part of a team," he mentioned, referring to his longtime agent, Giuseppe Acquadro.

"We're fighting for the chance to get back out there in the races," he declared as he watched the peloton ride off into the distance. At that moment, Nairo Quintana embodies a mix of determination, nostalgia and hope, navigating an uncertain present while yearning for a future that has yet to define its course.