"We both fought hard" - Nairo Quintana details mutual respect with Chris Froome after repeated Grand Tour battles

Nairo Quintana came close to winning a Tour de France in the last decade, but was unable to do so due to the dominance of Chris Froome. The Colombian cyclist has spoken about the relationship he had with the British cyclist in those moments of intense rivalry.

In a candid conversation with Directv Sports, Nairo Quintana revealed what his relationship with Chris Froome was like during those golden years when both cyclists were fighting for the throne of world cycling. While it is common to think that sporting rivalry can tarnish personal relationships, Nairo clarified that he and Froome got along very well and maintained a deep mutual respect, both professionally and personally.

"The relationship was with a lot of respect, more than sharing, we had a sympathy with respect always. He was in his team and I was in mine, we both fought hard, that's how things happened," said the Colombian cyclist in an interview with Camilo Castellanos.