Nairo Quintana

Nairo Quintana was born in the town of Tunja, in the department of Boyacá, Colombia. He grew up in the nearby village of Cómbita in the Andes Mountains. His upbringing in the mountains at high elevation helped develop his climbing ability, which would become his hallmark as a professional cyclist. Quintana is known for his climbing prowess and has been successful in various high-altitude races globally.

In 2010, Nairo Quintana achieved his first significant victory by winning the Tour de l'Avenir, a prestigious French cycling stage race often known as the 'Tour de France for Frogs'. This win marked him as one of the most promising climbers of his generation. The victory showcased Quintana's capacities in mountain stages and foreshadowed his future success in grand tours.

At the start of 2012, Nairo Quintana signed his first professional contract with the Movistar Team, a World Tour cycling team based in Spain. Joining Movistar was a significant step in his career, giving him the opportunity to compete at the highest level in professional cycling. With this team, Quintana would later achieve many of his standout victories in grand tours.

Nairo Quintana made a remarkable debut in the 2013 Tour de France, finishing second overall behind Chris Froome. He also won the young rider classification and the mountain classification, showcasing his formidable climbing skills. This performance marked him as one of the most talented young riders and a serious contender for future Tour de France editions.

Nairo Quintana won the 2014 Giro d'Italia while riding for the Movistar Team. This victory was his first Grand Tour win, making him the first Colombian to win the Giro. Quintana took the lead after a dramatic stage in the snowy Stelvio Pass, a testament to his climbing ability and tactical acumen. His triumph in the Giro elevated his status in international cycling.

Quintana triumphed in the 2016 Vuelta a España, securing his second Grand Tour victory. He managed to hold off Chris Froome and other competitors with a strong performance throughout the race. His win was secured by his aggressive climbing on the mountainous stages and his successful defense in the time trials. This victory solidified his reputation as one of the top grand tour riders.

Nairo Quintana won the 18th stage of the 2019 Giro d'Italia, a challenging mountain stage that further demonstrated his skill as a climber. His victory on this stage was a testament to his persistence and consistency, even in challenging races where he was not contending for the overall lead. This win was an important achievement in his career, showcasing his enduring talent.

Quintana executed a remarkable performance by winning the queen stage of the 2020 Tour de la Provence. His triumphant ride on Mont Ventoux proved his enduring form and climbing prowess. This stage win was part of a series of impressive performances in early 2020 that demonstrated his capacity to challenge the peloton on the most famous climbs in cycling.

Nairo Quintana won the overall classification at the 2021 Tour de la Provence, showcasing his ability to contest and secure victories in stage races outside the grand tours. His total time left him ahead of notable competitors, cementing his status as a formidable force in multi-stage events. This victory marked his continued presence in competitive international cycling.

In 2022, Nairo Quintana signed with the French cycling team Team Arkéa–Samsic. This move was seen as a fresh start, as he aimed to lead the team in both national and international competitions. At Arkéa–Samsic, he became a pivotal part of the squad, contributing with his experience and skill to promote the team’s ambitions in major cycling tours.