Update: Nairo Quintana signs with World Tour team, Bahrain - Victorious likely the next destination

Nairo Quintana has for several months been in a complicated situation after testing positive for Tramadol at the Tour de France. His professional career seemed at risk, and his presence at the top level looked extremely unlikely. However, the Colombian is set to race at the World Tour in 2023, he himself announced.

“I can't say much more. I will be in the WorldTour, I will continue to pedal hard and look ahead," Quintana told EFE agency. "The idea is to keep the motivation to win races and represent my country… Next year I will be racing the big races.”

The Colombian did not reveal which team he has signed with. Asked if it was his former team Movistar, he responded: "It could be one of the options. The truth is that I have a very good relationship with them, we have had very successful years, so why not. But the most important thing is to have options to keep racing."

Whilst the Spanish team could be an option and a logical one seeing the departure of Alejandro Valverde and budget that surely has still remained as the team's signings were of an inferior level. Whilst he's been linked with teams such as UAE Team Emirates and Astana Qazaqstan Team in the past, it was understood that both were not interested in a deal. EF Education-EasyPost are clear contenders having a large focus in South American riders and the recent signing of Richard Carapaz, whilst Bahrain - Victorious would also be one of the possibilities taking into consideration their focus on the mountainous races and Spanish-speaking riders.

Update: According to Charles Marsault of Velo-Club.net, Quintana is said to have signed with Bahrain - Victorious.