Nairo Quintana tested positive for Tramadol during the Tour de France and, in contract year, it has proved to be a deadly mix for the Colombian's continuation in pro cycling. He isn't without offers however, as the Colombian Team Medellín - EPM has publicly offered to sign him.
“Nairo is our great representative of Colombian cycling to the world. For this reason, from Team Medellín EPM, we offer you to continue your sports career with us with a wide national and international calendar,” the team shared on social media - and, likely, to Quintana himself beforehand. “How proud it would be for Medellín for you to represent us.”
The Colombian team, home to former prestigious climbers such as Oscar Sevilla and Fabio Duarte, has a big presence in the wide South American scene. Quintana, currently at home in Colombia, may not return to Europe soon as his expected renewal with Arkéa Samsic was taken off the table and no other team has shown interest. Quintana is not suspended, however his lost case will make it tremendously difficult to grab a new pro contract in 2023.
“This is proving hard for him, but that’s when the great ones are forged," former pro Victor Hugo Peña said in a recent interview. “I confide in him, and he’s a strong guy, who’ll cry, wipe away the tears, and he will continue. I am positive he will not give up. What he has to do is speak with his legs, and do what he’s always done, this guy with a hard and strong face. Now is the time that he has to go forward, and that would be one of his most important victories.”
Update: In an interview with Telemedellín Quintana thanked but denied the offer from the Colombian squad.
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- That sucks for him. I've always wondered what guys like him do after retiring from cycling - go back to uni? He's still a very young manCrashjames03-11-2026
- Good Point, I wonder if he's been testedmhfrvz03-11-2026
- A busy boy!Lozza03-11-2026
- I hope 2027 is his year.mij03-11-2026
- why does he have to? many GT riders from Froome to Contador to Indurain didn't do them.mij03-11-2026
- I think Jonas would have lost the TDF by 4+ minutes (at the least) and might not have even been in the top 3. Too much talent in the younger riders to say anyone not named Pogačar would have been top 3md197503-11-2026
- this is just stupid. you already have 23%, gravel is over the topabstractengineer03-11-2026
- There was once a time when Lance was supremely popular and he used his artificial "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life" persona to lead his mob in going after Greg. There was no one Lance did not abuse in protecting his phony hero image. Lance promoted himself as a divine megastar and he let down millions of cancer victims and gullible devotees who clung far too long to the charade. Lance is the epitome of a corrupt person and because of his power, many around him, including business enterprises, succumbed to the evil. All who got in Armstrong's way were mercilessly attacked by him and his minions. This remarkably continues today with a new generation. LeMond was a number one enemy and paid a huge price. Who do you think slandered who?Yepperoni03-11-2026
- You despise him because he calls out the truth....OK clown !frieders303-11-2026
- JV is really slighting himself with not doing the 1 dayers.. 🤷
leedorney02-11-2026
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Nairo es nuestro gran representante del ciclismo colombiano ante el mundo. Por eso, desde el Team Medellín EPM le ofrecemos continuar su carrera deportiva con nosotros con un amplio calendario nacional e internacional. Qué orgullo sería para Medellín que nos representes.
ATENCIÓN 🚨 Nairo Quintana respondió a la invitación del #TeamMedellin 🇨🇴🚴🏻 Via @Telemedellin #TMSports
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