Nairo Quintana tested positive for the painkiller Tramadol during the Tour de France on two separate occasions. This has had consequences for his short-term future, and may have longer-term consequences aswell for the Colombian who was set to return to World Tour level.
“I confide in CAS and the rules in order to move forward. I presented my defense before CAS. We listened to the lawyers from the UCI, and CAS will determine an answer in the coming weeks," Quintana shared in a message. Ever since the case has been made public, the Colombian withdrew from the Vuelta a Espana to work on his defense, which he has been prioritizing ever since.
Although he was not suspended, he has not raced again with Arkéa Samsic ever since. The two collaborated almost to perfection over the last few years, with the Colombian playing a key role in the French team's soon-to-come promotion to World Tour level. They had agreed on a three-year deal for the upcoming seasons, but the situation has been turned on it's head.
Quintana is on his way out from Arkéa, and there are little indications to where he may go. Rumours of UAE Team Emirates, AG2R Citröen Team and Astana Qazaqstan have all been dismissed, whilst Groupama - FDJ - who had been hinted aswell - remains a very unlikely target. As the riders head into the off-season, Quintana remains without a contract for 2023. His likely high salary demands and ongoing case on use of prohibited substances remain an incredibly hard barrier for many teams to commit on a move, and time is beginning to run out.
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