"Some people told me I was crazy and that I should stop cycling" - Nairo Quintana continues to see his best numbers in training sessions

Nairo Quintana was frequently in the headlines despite having missed a whole year of racing. The Colombian's search for a pro contract marked his 2023 season but he was ultimately successful. Now preparing for his return to the World Tour, the Colombian says that he still sees his best numbers in training sessions.

"We have to be patient, because I haven't raced for a while. When others were doing the Giro d'Italia, I was in Colombia. Some people told me I was crazy and that I should stop cycling," Quintana told Cyclingnews. "Despite everything, I am in good shape. My numbers in training are the same as when I competed in major events. So I'm not worried about that, but it's always different to race. I will have to continue training and have good legs."

Quintana hosted his own Gran Fondo this week which has been tremendously popular with thousands joining the ride in Santander, Colombia - not his only Gran Fondo. He remains an incredibly popular figure in South and Central America and the news of his return to Movistar Team were received very well by fans. Over the year many teams had been connected to him by rumours but the Spanish one was the right fit in the end.

Quintana has already stated that he will most likely start his season at the reborn Tour of Colombia, and he is set to race the Giro d'Italia according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Whilst his role throughout the season may include some support for Enric Mas who has this season complained how his team was no match to rival teams and it limited him, it seems clear that the Spanish team did not only sign him to be a domestique.