Nairo Quintana vows to "continue on the bike until my body resists"

Nairo Quintana remains a pro cyclist. In a dramatic turn of events, today's press conference in Bogotá, Colombia, was not a retirement announcement, but instead a promise that the Colombian will keep on fighting and aim to return to racing at the highest level.

"I don't give up and I keep going and I keep going. I'm used to the rain, the heat, the scratches, I'm going to keep fighting to compete, to continue on the bike until my body resists," Quintana said at the press conference. "I'm an honest racer, I haven't had any problems since I've been a professional since 2009 I've respected the rules, competed with integrity, honoring fair play."

Quintana stays true to his word that he is clean, and that he did not use Tramadol, a prohibited substance in competition, during the Tour de France. The positive test results led him to be on the hunt for a new team as Arkéa Samsic cut ties, but no new team has emerged with the right conditions to sign the 32-year old.

"These moments of uncertainty have not been easy, but we assume them with the unconditional support of my family and my work team, who have not doubted my honesty and commitment to clean sport and the highest ethical standards in the exercise of their profession," he continued. "I still don't have a team, I am available to have a jersey and give my best on the road, my palms endorse me. Pedaling I reminded the Colombians that it is possible to win. I want to compete again, the competition is in me".

Hence, Quintana vows to keep racing. He's got a very clear answer as to why: "My physical condition is very good, I have been preparing, I have been riding, in recent years we have seen all the physical condition, last year it was in the top ten."

"I am going to travel to Europe and I am going to sit with the different teams and with my manager to fix my situation. I'm going to overcome the hole I'm going through to continue fighting in the best races in the world," he stated. It will be difficult to get into a top team in 2023, but there is a clear option of seeking a contract into 2024.

There have been contacts with Israel - Premier Tech and most recently Team Corratec. After all options failed it seemed to be a hole of which Quintana could not escape, but he is not giving up yet on his career.

"I had a few moments the opportunity to speak with some teams and the negotiation was not reached, which is why I am going to make this trip in February to see what can be achieved," he concluded.