Nairo Quintana, blunt about his options in the Giro d'Italia: 'I'm not going to be at the best I would like'

“Now with Einer Rubio we are going to the Giro d'Italia and I know that I am not going to be at the best I would like and we are going to look for victories in the mountain stages,” said Quintana during the presentation of the sixth edition of his 'big backyard'a recreational race that will run from June 28 to 30 along the roads of the coffee-growing department of Quindío.

Nairo trusted that the Colombian also Fernando Gaviria can achieve partial victories in mass arrivals because in addition to having natural talent, he will be surrounded by a team that will take him until leaving him in the best location so that he can fulfill that task.

Quintana, 34 years old, was excited about the season, but it has not been what he expected. He was fourth in the time trial at the cycling nationals and finished 26th in the distance event. In the Tour Colombia he finished 21st, 8 minutes behind the winner, Rodrigo Contreras. He was going to travel to Europe to be in the O Great Roadbut he was infected with covid-19 and that is why he could not run in that test.

Later he traveled to Spain and ran the Vuelta a Catalunya, but fell and retired. He was on Movistar's list for the Tour de Los Alpes but did not leave because his team reported that he suffered a torn ligament in his right arm.

Quintana also referred this Tuesday to the criticism of several cyclists, including Geraint Thomas, who has said that the Colombian should not be racing.

“We know that some like us and others don't like us, we have done very nice things for our country and that is what should fill our hearts (…) and move forward seeking our goals,” he said.

He explained that at the moment he continues training and that he is comfortable in Movistar and that his relationship with Enric Mas She is very good, as with her other colleagues, of whom she said there are many young people. Quintana will participate in the Giro d'Italia for the third time and the first in seven years. In the two previous editions, the Colombian always occupied a place on the podium. He was champion in 2014 and second in 2017.

EFE