The start of the 2024 season saw the return of Nairo Quintana to the WorldTour with Movistar Team. However, this return was not well received by some riders in the peloton, as is the case of INEOS Grenadiers duo, Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe.
On their 'Watts Occurring' podcast, the Welsh pair called the Colombian "a little fucking rat" and claimed "he shouldn't be racing," after Quintana's ban last year for tramadol use. At a press conference in Bogota during the presentation of the Gran Fondo that bears his name, which will be held from June 28-30, Quintana responded to those comments.
"I am aware that some people like me and others don't. I have done very nice things for my country and that is what should fill my heart. I must move forward like the deaf frog that leaves a moral, going after the goals I want and with my chest full of pride knowing what I am and where I'm from. That's what fills me with joy," said Nairo Quintana, distancing himself from the controversy and focusing on himself and on improving for the goals that lie ahead.
Quintana's next big stop on the calendar is the Giro d'Italia. The Colombian rider has admitted that he will not arrive "in the best conditions", and that he will be looking to hunt mountain stages instead of competing for the general classification. With this, he hopes to gain enough confidence and fitness for a Vuelta a Espana where he will also be, and where he is expected to be one of the riders to follow, and we'll see if for the overall win. Everything will depend on his physical condition.
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