"Whoever says he has not had a crisis in life is lying, things happen for a reason" - Nairo Quintana on his strength in 2023

After a blank year due to his positive for tramadol in the 2022 Tour de France, Nairo Quintana has been reborn as a cyclist with Movistar Team, the squad with which he became one of the best cyclists in the world and that will allow him to get back on a bike in 2024.

In an interview with Marca, the Colombian explained after the presentation of the Spanish team how he felt about a new adventure in his already long professional career;

RETIREMENT.

"I didn't set a date for myself. I was always convinced I could come back. I always worked and pedaled hard to be able to return to competition. This illusion always kept me strong to be able to be here. This illusion always kept me strong to move forward and get here."

DIFFICULTIES.

"This is like everything in life: there are ups and downs. Like everyone else, I have had my share of joys and crises. Whoever says in life that they haven't had a crisis is lying. Sometimes things happen for a reason. We have to digest it. We have to sit down and think about everything that has been done, everything that has happened. Finally, they are moments that help you build your life".

CRISIS

"Well, there have been ups and downs, but I was always convinced that I could go on. I was always convinced that I had more to give. People pushed me to keep going forward, I was more convinced every day. This year we are going to have a great team. A group with young people who are beginning to have experience, with versatile young people and with a great leader like Enric Mas. I appreciate his words and his welcome, I am happy to team up with him. I am convinced that we are going to have a great season".

MOVISTAR.

"Good. He continues to carry the DNA that identifies this team of closeness, friendship, affection, warmth... it shows. That DNA that the team has to always support each other with a great youth that, as I said before, is going to give surprises this year because they have experience and with our support. We are surely going to do very well".

OBJECTIVES.

"With joy. With seeing the team grow. With continuing to take steps forward, which is what we deserve, the brand and the team. I would be satisfied with that. If something more than that comes, welcome. I prepared very well for the Giro and Vuelta, which are the races I'm going to do, but I'll have to wait and see what results come.

FUTURE.

"The intention is to continue as long as I can. I have to see what the body continues to give. This year, the competition will tell us. And, depending on that, we'll make decisions."