{"id":1840800,"date":"2026-03-22T17:33:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T14:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1840800"},"modified":"2026-03-22T17:33:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T14:33:10","slug":"former-tour-de-france-runner-up-and-multiple-grand-tour-champion-nairo-quintana-announces-retirement-for-end-of-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1840800","title":{"rendered":"Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana announces retirement for end of season"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMovistar Team\n<\/li>\n<li>\nNairo Quintana\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana announces retirement for end of season<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-22T17:33:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Veteran Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner, 36, set to quit after 16 seasons<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana celebrates the win at the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"496fca20-f788-4b8e-98a4-dd4681988d15\">Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana confirmed on Sunday that he will retire from racing this season, making this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\u00a0his final career start.<\/p>\n<p>The 36-year-old Movistar racer made the announcement at a press conference in Barcelona on Sunday evening, shortly before the start of the Volta a Catalunya, which he won back in 2016.<\/p>\n<p id=\"496fca20-f788-4b8e-98a4-dd4681988d15-2\">That was far from being Quintana&#8217;s only major victory, with two podium finishes in the Tour de France, and outright triumph in the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 Colombia&#8217;s first-ever win in the race \u2013 and 2016 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a to his name. Amongst his 54 career triumphs were also two editions of Tirreno-Adriatico, an Itzulia Basque Country and a Tour of Romandie, as well as multiple stage wins in all three Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Even as the dog grows old, its sense of smell never fades&#8217; \u2013 Nairo Quintana still ambitious for podiums and victories after turning 36<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Grand Tour champion Simon Yates announces shock early retirement at 33<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was never the guy everyone was talking about as the next up-and-comer&#8217; \u2013 Simon Clarke bids farewell on his own terms after a career marked by resilience<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I want to say: it is over. It is all over. And I am going home to my family,&#8221; Quintana said in Spanish, beginning his press conference by calling it a &#8220;grand celebration&#8221; not just an end to a chapter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am that boy who grew up amidst the mountains, in a place where life was anything but passive. I was just a kid who didn&#8217;t have much, but I possessed something far stronger: the burning desire to break free.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I learned that this wasn&#8217;t just a sport. It was a way of life\u2014lived step by step, without rushing the process. Then, in 2012, a new chapter began.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;From that point on\u2014race after race, victory after victory\u2014my triumphs were not mine alone; they belonged to an entire continent. They belonged to the Colombian land\u2014to every life, every climb, and every finish line crossed.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;These were moments of constant growth\u2014a journey that allowed me to mature both as an athlete and as a human being. It was a wonderful chapter, filled with learning, respect, and immense gratitude.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He concluded by saying his retirement marked another chapter in his life.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am not speaking of a farewell; I am speaking of a beginning\u2014a new beginning where I want to continue building, creating businesses, opening up opportunities, supporting both competitive and recreational sports, and giving back to the people\u2014especially the youth\u2014everything that cycling has given me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;You have to be brave to quit&#8217; &#8211; Riders react to Simon Yates&#8217; sudden retirement<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Olympic medallist and Australian road stalwart Alex Edmondson retires at 32<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Once compared by Movistar team manager Eusebio Unzue to Bernard Hinault for his similar tenacity, rural origins and race insight, Quintana never had the Frenchman&#8217;s talent for one-day racing. However, he remained a major force as a top stage racing specialist throughout his 16-year career.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">For a while in the mid 2010s his diminutive, classic climber&#8217;s form seemed able to destroy the field at will with knockout mountain rides, be it ascents as famous as the interminably rising treeless plateaus of the Blockhaus in Italy in 2017, arguably his greatest ever mountain-top stage win, or the mist-enshrouded Lagos de Covadonga at the 2016 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"0e821dff-9035-478c-8163-542abcbb0b92\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana attacks in a mountain stage at the 2017 Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3f4ee97b-7988-4b59-9845-587996927d90\">Following the wheeltracks of early Colombian stage racing greats like Fabio Parra and Lucho Herrera, two decades after they had retired, Quintana is widely seen as a pioneer for the revival of Grand Tour racing in Colombia in the 2010s. He is also well-known in South America for his longstanding work as a social and human rights activist.<\/p>\n<p>The one, very significant, blot on Quintana&#8217;s copybook was his positive test for the painkiller Tramadol, which saw him disqualified from the 2022 Tour de France and sparked his exit from his team of the time, Ark\u00e9a-Samsic.<\/p>\n<p>Although Quintana did not serve a suspension as his offence was covered by UCI&#8217;s medical rules rather than being classed as an anti-doping violation, he was left with no chance but to take a hiatus season in 2023 with no top-level racing. He returned in 2024, however, rejoining his near-life-long team Movistar for the final part of his career.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-early-years-and-glory-at-the-2014-giro-d-italia-3\">The early years and glory at the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"c4a22106-0c32-4e2d-8bb7-b39e21fd4b68\">As could be expected of a hugely talented climber, Quintana&#8217;s first breakthrough result came in the Volta a Catalunya in 2011, taking the mountains title with the small Colombia es Pasi\u00f3n squad, and rendering his announcement of his retirement on the eve of the same race this March even more appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>Quintana then joined his first major squad, Movistar, in 2012, where he was one of the few climbers able to withstand the might of Team Sky in races like the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9, where he won the Queen Stage.<\/p>\n<p>He then made a mark as a key support rider for teammate Alejandro Valverde in the Vuelta that year, most memorably on the agonisingly steep slopes of Cuitu Negru.<\/p>\n<p>Far, far more was to come in 2013, when Quintana provided the upset of the Tour by pushing Chris Froome the hardest as the Briton carved out his first overall victory.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"06bb558b-f696-471c-9919-19947d627d8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Quintana battling Chris Froome at the 2015 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"aab6d5b9-5e2a-44af-987a-3ccaf8655d8a\">Only woefully unambitious team tactics by Movistar in the Pyrenees reduced his chances to impact there, but he still got a major stage win at Semnoz on the second last day, and second overall in Paris, too.<\/p>\n<p>Together with Alberto Contador, Quintana was seen as the rider most likely to give Sky a run for their money as the British team imposed a claustrophobic domination of the Tour for year after year.<\/p>\n<p>Yet despite being able to carve out a somewhat controversial victory in the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 what exactly transpired on the snowy descent of the Stelvio and how many instructions about stopping (or not) during a neutralisation have never been resolved \u2013 Quintana was never consistently able to match Froome in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>There were some impressive near-misses, too, most notably in 2015, when Quintana claimed his second Tour podium after pushing Froome to the limit on the final ascent to Alpe d&#8217;Huez. But time after time, be it at Ax-3 Domaines in 2013, the Ventoux in 2015 or the Megeve TT in the Alps in 2016, the Briton had his number.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-second-grand-tour-win-and-a-new-role-3\">A second Grand Tour win and a new role<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9e0915d1-02fd-4c70-8dfa-929c82db4394\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana racing to victory at the 2016 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a after dropping Chris Froome on the road to Formigal <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"68d7169c-43c9-4ac0-ae1d-851a8e82c595\">The only time the boot was truly on the other foot came in the 2016 Vuelta, where Froome and Sky came a radical cropper after Quintana and Contador made a rare combination to destroy the Briton&#8217;s team on the road to Formigal and then leave him out of overall contention in the process.<\/p>\n<p>It was a hugely impressive effort, but never repeated, although Quintana&#8217;s duel against Tom Dumoulin in 2017 in the Giro d&#8217;Italia ended in a narrow defeat by the Dutchman, and yet more question marks about what might have been with some more sharply-honed team tactics.<\/p>\n<p>By then, though, Quintana was moving out of his GC contender phase in favour of occasional blazes of glory and stage wins, the most recent \u2013 and his final Grand Tour race lead \u2013 coming in a memorable last-ditch breakaway on the streets of Calpe early in the 2019 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p>Quintana&#8217;s complicated position in the hierarchy at Movistar, as seen in insider films like &#8216;The Least Expected Day&#8217;, may well have contributed to his decision to head for Ark\u00e9a-Samsic in 2020. Initially, as he took a string of early-season victories at the French squad, it seemed like a renaissance was on the cards.<\/p>\n<p>That ended, though, with his positive for Tramadol, after which he spent a year out of racing before re-signing for Movistar.<\/p>\n<p>By then, Quintana was already moving into team worker mode, and he did not take a single victory in his last two-and-a-bit seasons. His last major flourish, a long breakaway through the Dolomites in the 2024 Giro d&#8217;Italia, where he was remorselessly overtaken by the all-conquering Tadej Poga\u010dar close to the finish, felt very like a valedictory gesture.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, despite claiming early this season that &#8220;old dogs don&#8217;t lose their sense of smell&#8221; \u2013 that the ambition to win never really dies \u2013 Quintana had already been hinting at an imminent retirement.<\/p>\n<p>This was finally confirmed on Sunday, in Barcelona, on the eve of the race, where in many senses, it all began for the quietly-spoken Colombian, way back in 2011.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"ace0e432-f643-49db-a2ab-2f19939f7d11\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana en route to claiming the mountains classification title at the 2011 Volta a Catalunya <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Even as the dog grows old, its sense of smell never fades&#8217; \u2013 Nairo Quintana still ambitious for podiums and victories after turning 36<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Grand Tour champion Simon Yates announces shock early retirement at 33<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was never the guy everyone was talking about as the next up-and-comer&#8217; \u2013 Simon Clarke bids farewell on his own terms after a career marked by resilience<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You have to be brave to quit&#8217; &#8211; Riders react to Simon Yates&#8217; sudden retirement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Olympic medallist and Australian road stalwart Alex Edmondson retires at 32<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A tough race full of challenges&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard in high spirits as Volta a Catalunya marks another key stop on the road to the Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s time to win one again&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel escapes the Mount Teide snow to chase first WorldTour stage race win in three years at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Spur-of-the-moment decision&#8217; lands Wout van Aert fourth career podium at Milan-San Remo as he surprises with effort from late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A tough race full of challenges&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard in high spirits as Volta a Catalunya marks another key stop on the road to the Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s time to win one again&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel escapes the Mount Teide snow to chase first WorldTour stage race win in three years at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If you don&#8217;t take risk, it&#8217;s not topsport&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney gives injury update following Milan-San Remo Women crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Spur-of-the-moment decision&#8217; lands Wout van Aert fourth career podium at Milan-San Remo as he surprises with effort from late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If I come back to San Remo it will only be to eat focaccia&#8217; &#8211; Tadej Poga\u010dar hints he may never return after finally winning Milan-San Remo<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aehgddbjcNre9AewZL9GxH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">UCI Gravel World Series: Nicole Frain best in three-rider women&#8217;s sprint while Jarno Bellens goes solo to win elite men&#8217;s race at Turnhout Gravel<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana announces retirement for end of season<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A tough race full of challenges&#8217; 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Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMovistar Team\n<\/li>\n<li>\nNairo Quintana\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana announces retirement for end of season<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-22T17:33:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Veteran Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner, 36, set to quit after 16 seasons<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana celebrates the win at the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\"><span class=\"font-normal\">0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get the Cyclingnews Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"496fca20-f788-4b8e-98a4-dd4681988d15\">Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana confirmed on Sunday that he will retire from racing this season, making this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\u00a0his final career start.<\/p>\n<p>The 36-year-old Movistar racer made the announcement at a press conference in Barcelona on Sunday evening, shortly before the start of the Volta a Catalunya, which he won back in 2016.<\/p>\n<p id=\"496fca20-f788-4b8e-98a4-dd4681988d15-2\">That was far from being Quintana&#8217;s only major victory, with two podium finishes in the Tour de France, and outright triumph in the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 Colombia&#8217;s first-ever win in the race \u2013 and 2016 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a to his name. Amongst his 54 career triumphs were also two editions of Tirreno-Adriatico, an Itzulia Basque Country and a Tour of Romandie, as well as multiple stage wins in all three Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Even as the dog grows old, its sense of smell never fades&#8217; \u2013 Nairo Quintana still ambitious for podiums and victories after turning 36<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Grand Tour champion Simon Yates announces shock early retirement at 33<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was never the guy everyone was talking about as the next up-and-comer&#8217; \u2013 Simon Clarke bids farewell on his own terms after a career marked by resilience<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I want to say: it is over. It is all over. And I am going home to my family,&#8221; Quintana said in Spanish, beginning his press conference by calling it a &#8220;grand celebration&#8221; not just an end to a chapter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am that boy who grew up amidst the mountains, in a place where life was anything but passive. I was just a kid who didn&#8217;t have much, but I possessed something far stronger: the burning desire to break free.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I learned that this wasn&#8217;t just a sport. It was a way of life\u2014lived step by step, without rushing the process. Then, in 2012, a new chapter began.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;From that point on\u2014race after race, victory after victory\u2014my triumphs were not mine alone; they belonged to an entire continent. They belonged to the Colombian land\u2014to every life, every climb, and every finish line crossed.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;These were moments of constant growth\u2014a journey that allowed me to mature both as an athlete and as a human being. It was a wonderful chapter, filled with learning, respect, and immense gratitude.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He concluded by saying his retirement marked another chapter in his life.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am not speaking of a farewell; I am speaking of a beginning\u2014a new beginning where I want to continue building, creating businesses, opening up opportunities, supporting both competitive and recreational sports, and giving back to the people\u2014especially the youth\u2014everything that cycling has given me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;You have to be brave to quit&#8217; &#8211; Riders react to Simon Yates&#8217; sudden retirement<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Olympic medallist and Australian road stalwart Alex Edmondson retires at 32<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Once compared by Movistar team manager Eusebio Unzue to Bernard Hinault for his similar tenacity, rural origins and race insight, Quintana never had the Frenchman&#8217;s talent for one-day racing. However, he remained a major force as a top stage racing specialist throughout his 16-year career.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">For a while in the mid 2010s his diminutive, classic climber&#8217;s form seemed able to destroy the field at will with knockout mountain rides, be it ascents as famous as the interminably rising treeless plateaus of the Blockhaus in Italy in 2017, arguably his greatest ever mountain-top stage win, or the mist-enshrouded Lagos de Covadonga at the 2016 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"0e821dff-9035-478c-8163-542abcbb0b92\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana attacks in a mountain stage at the 2017 Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3f4ee97b-7988-4b59-9845-587996927d90\">Following the wheeltracks of early Colombian stage racing greats like Fabio Parra and Lucho Herrera, two decades after they had retired, Quintana is widely seen as a pioneer for the revival of Grand Tour racing in Colombia in the 2010s. He is also well-known in South America for his longstanding work as a social and human rights activist.<\/p>\n<p>The one, very significant, blot on Quintana&#8217;s copybook was his positive test for the painkiller Tramadol, which saw him disqualified from the 2022 Tour de France and sparked his exit from his team of the time, Ark\u00e9a-Samsic.<\/p>\n<p>Although Quintana did not serve a suspension as his offence was covered by UCI&#8217;s medical rules rather than being classed as an anti-doping violation, he was left with no chance but to take a hiatus season in 2023 with no top-level racing. He returned in 2024, however, rejoining his near-life-long team Movistar for the final part of his career.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-early-years-and-glory-at-the-2014-giro-d-italia-3\">The early years and glory at the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"c4a22106-0c32-4e2d-8bb7-b39e21fd4b68\">As could be expected of a hugely talented climber, Quintana&#8217;s first breakthrough result came in the Volta a Catalunya in 2011, taking the mountains title with the small Colombia es Pasi\u00f3n squad, and rendering his announcement of his retirement on the eve of the same race this March even more appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>Quintana then joined his first major squad, Movistar, in 2012, where he was one of the few climbers able to withstand the might of Team Sky in races like the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9, where he won the Queen Stage.<\/p>\n<p>He then made a mark as a key support rider for teammate Alejandro Valverde in the Vuelta that year, most memorably on the agonisingly steep slopes of Cuitu Negru.<\/p>\n<p>Far, far more was to come in 2013, when Quintana provided the upset of the Tour by pushing Chris Froome the hardest as the Briton carved out his first overall victory.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"06bb558b-f696-471c-9919-19947d627d8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Quintana battling Chris Froome at the 2015 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"aab6d5b9-5e2a-44af-987a-3ccaf8655d8a\">Only woefully unambitious team tactics by Movistar in the Pyrenees reduced his chances to impact there, but he still got a major stage win at Semnoz on the second last day, and second overall in Paris, too.<\/p>\n<p>Together with Alberto Contador, Quintana was seen as the rider most likely to give Sky a run for their money as the British team imposed a claustrophobic domination of the Tour for year after year.<\/p>\n<p>Yet despite being able to carve out a somewhat controversial victory in the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 what exactly transpired on the snowy descent of the Stelvio and how many instructions about stopping (or not) during a neutralisation have never been resolved \u2013 Quintana was never consistently able to match Froome in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>There were some impressive near-misses, too, most notably in 2015, when Quintana claimed his second Tour podium after pushing Froome to the limit on the final ascent to Alpe d&#8217;Huez. But time after time, be it at Ax-3 Domaines in 2013, the Ventoux in 2015 or the Megeve TT in the Alps in 2016, the Briton had his number.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-second-grand-tour-win-and-a-new-role-3\">A second Grand Tour win and a new role<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9e0915d1-02fd-4c70-8dfa-929c82db4394\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana racing to victory at the 2016 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a after dropping Chris Froome on the road to Formigal <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"68d7169c-43c9-4ac0-ae1d-851a8e82c595\">The only time the boot was truly on the other foot came in the 2016 Vuelta, where Froome and Sky came a radical cropper after Quintana and Contador made a rare combination to destroy the Briton&#8217;s team on the road to Formigal and then leave him out of overall contention in the process.<\/p>\n<p>It was a hugely impressive effort, but never repeated, although Quintana&#8217;s duel against Tom Dumoulin in 2017 in the Giro d&#8217;Italia ended in a narrow defeat by the Dutchman, and yet more question marks about what might have been with some more sharply-honed team tactics.<\/p>\n<p>By then, though, Quintana was moving out of his GC contender phase in favour of occasional blazes of glory and stage wins, the most recent \u2013 and his final Grand Tour race lead \u2013 coming in a memorable last-ditch breakaway on the streets of Calpe early in the 2019 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p>Quintana&#8217;s complicated position in the hierarchy at Movistar, as seen in insider films like &#8216;The Least Expected Day&#8217;, may well have contributed to his decision to head for Ark\u00e9a-Samsic in 2020. Initially, as he took a string of early-season victories at the French squad, it seemed like a renaissance was on the cards.<\/p>\n<p>That ended, though, with his positive for Tramadol, after which he spent a year out of racing before re-signing for Movistar.<\/p>\n<p>By then, Quintana was already moving into team worker mode, and he did not take a single victory in his last two-and-a-bit seasons. His last major flourish, a long breakaway through the Dolomites in the 2024 Giro d&#8217;Italia, where he was remorselessly overtaken by the all-conquering Tadej Poga\u010dar close to the finish, felt very like a valedictory gesture.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, despite claiming early this season that &#8220;old dogs don&#8217;t lose their sense of smell&#8221; \u2013 that the ambition to win never really dies \u2013 Quintana had already been hinting at an imminent retirement.<\/p>\n<p>This was finally confirmed on Sunday, in Barcelona, on the eve of the race, where in many senses, it all began for the quietly-spoken Colombian, way back in 2011.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"ace0e432-f643-49db-a2ab-2f19939f7d11\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana en route to claiming the mountains classification title at the 2011 Volta a Catalunya <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Even as the dog grows old, its sense of smell never fades&#8217; \u2013 Nairo Quintana still ambitious for podiums and victories after turning 36<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Grand Tour champion Simon Yates announces shock early retirement at 33<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was never the guy everyone was talking about as the next up-and-comer&#8217; \u2013 Simon Clarke bids farewell on his own terms after a career marked by resilience<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;You have to be brave to quit&#8217; &#8211; Riders react to Simon Yates&#8217; sudden retirement<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Olympic medallist and Australian road stalwart Alex Edmondson retires at 32<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/qEj5QjJVMZwR6LSkVbohCD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A tough race full of challenges&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard in high spirits as Volta a Catalunya marks another key stop on the road to the Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s time to win one again&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel escapes the Mount Teide snow to chase first WorldTour stage race win in three years at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WgSHYTvM2gvmw2YcSDDq7K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar transformed what seemed like the impossible into something unforgettable \u2013 Milan-San Remo analysis<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Spur-of-the-moment decision&#8217; lands Wout van Aert fourth career podium at Milan-San Remo as he surprises with effort from late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; 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Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A tough race full of challenges&#8217; \u2013 Jonas Vingegaard in high spirits as Volta a Catalunya marks another key stop on the road to the Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PJ9CLuJ3sQ5EoFSuis27aS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s time to win one again&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel escapes the Mount Teide snow to chase first WorldTour stage race win in three years at Volta a Catalunya<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zw6KFdF3qu2KZcMokptE7T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;If you don&#8217;t take risk, it&#8217;s not topsport&#8217; \u2013 Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney gives injury update following Milan-San Remo Women crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RBjnPQ8vYpe7Ta4XcxPV6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Spur-of-the-moment decision&#8217; lands Wout van Aert fourth career podium at Milan-San Remo as he surprises with effort from late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BY895AD7juwycQidKiSaMf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; 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Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was definitely nice to repay him&#8217; &#8211; Brandon McNulty helps team leader Tadej Poga\u010dar ignite charge to Milan-San Remo win after late crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aL2QXoTBuphSkq5tGVPvXT.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">UCI Gravel World Series: Nicole Frain best in three-rider women&#8217;s sprint while Jarno Bellens goes solo to win elite men&#8217;s race at Turnhout Gravel<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana announces retirement for end of season<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A tough race full of challenges&#8217; 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Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nMovistar Team\n<\/li>\n<li>\nNairo Quintana\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana announces retirement for end of season<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-03-22T17:33:10Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n22 March 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Veteran Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner, 36, set to quit after 16 seasons<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"496fca20-f788-4b8e-98a4-dd4681988d15\">Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana confirmed on Sunday that he will retire from racing this season, making this year&#8217;s Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a\u00a0his final career start.<\/p>\n<p>The 36-year-old Movistar racer made the announcement at a press conference in Barcelona on Sunday evening, shortly before the start of the Volta a Catalunya, which he won back in 2016.<\/p>\n<p id=\"496fca20-f788-4b8e-98a4-dd4681988d15-2\">That was far from being Quintana&#8217;s only major victory, with two podium finishes in the Tour de France, and outright triumph in the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 Colombia&#8217;s first-ever win in the race \u2013 and 2016 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a to his name. Amongst his 54 career triumphs were also two editions of Tirreno-Adriatico, an Itzulia Basque Country and a Tour of Romandie, as well as multiple stage wins in all three Grand Tours.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kT2XdoqSAUA49AGArCiYZY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Even as the dog grows old, its sense of smell never fades&#8217; \u2013 Nairo Quintana still ambitious for podiums and victories after turning 36<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/F5mXTaxv2AKGKPTLybDvR4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Grand Tour champion Simon Yates announces shock early retirement at 33<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sBJ5rqpmQKsyacS5TMq9ZD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was never the guy everyone was talking about as the next up-and-comer&#8217; \u2013 Simon Clarke bids farewell on his own terms after a career marked by resilience<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I want to say: it is over. It is all over. And I am going home to my family,&#8221; Quintana said in Spanish, beginning his press conference by calling it a &#8220;grand celebration&#8221; not just an end to a chapter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I am that boy who grew up amidst the mountains, in a place where life was anything but passive. I was just a kid who didn&#8217;t have much, but I possessed something far stronger: the burning desire to break free.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I learned that this wasn&#8217;t just a sport. It was a way of life\u2014lived step by step, without rushing the process. Then, in 2012, a new chapter began.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;From that point on\u2014race after race, victory after victory\u2014my triumphs were not mine alone; they belonged to an entire continent. They belonged to the Colombian land\u2014to every life, every climb, and every finish line crossed.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-p4Pkmf5hq8osh2mgcCxUQa slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;These were moments of constant growth\u2014a journey that allowed me to mature both as an athlete and as a human being. It was a wonderful chapter, filled with learning, respect, and immense gratitude.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He concluded by saying his retirement marked another chapter in his life.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am not speaking of a farewell; I am speaking of a beginning\u2014a new beginning where I want to continue building, creating businesses, opening up opportunities, supporting both competitive and recreational sports, and giving back to the people\u2014especially the youth\u2014everything that cycling has given me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WrLKTqu6UFfP284t4TiDsj-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;You have to be brave to quit&#8217; &#8211; Riders react to Simon Yates&#8217; sudden retirement<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AnmeAXPBRm6hp3STDoRLTY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I&#8217;m not thinking about retirement yet&#8217; &#8211; Primo\u017e Rogli\u010d confirms he will miss Tour de France but is not done yet<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ec6yAEzmowRaP3EAfmFqaC-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Olympic medallist and Australian road stalwart Alex Edmondson retires at 32<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Once compared by Movistar team manager Eusebio Unzue to Bernard Hinault for his similar tenacity, rural origins and race insight, Quintana never had the Frenchman&#8217;s talent for one-day racing. However, he remained a major force as a top stage racing specialist throughout his 16-year career.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">For a while in the mid 2010s his diminutive, classic climber&#8217;s form seemed able to destroy the field at will with knockout mountain rides, be it ascents as famous as the interminably rising treeless plateaus of the Blockhaus in Italy in 2017, arguably his greatest ever mountain-top stage win, or the mist-enshrouded Lagos de Covadonga at the 2016 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"0e821dff-9035-478c-8163-542abcbb0b92\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/miAJNCRLXodAAvBNRx7GbP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana attacks in a mountain stage at the 2017 Giro d&#8217;Italia <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"3f4ee97b-7988-4b59-9845-587996927d90\">Following the wheeltracks of early Colombian stage racing greats like Fabio Parra and Lucho Herrera, two decades after they had retired, Quintana is widely seen as a pioneer for the revival of Grand Tour racing in Colombia in the 2010s. He is also well-known in South America for his longstanding work as a social and human rights activist.<\/p>\n<p>The one, very significant, blot on Quintana&#8217;s copybook was his positive test for the painkiller Tramadol, which saw him disqualified from the 2022 Tour de France and sparked his exit from his team of the time, Ark\u00e9a-Samsic.<\/p>\n<p>Although Quintana did not serve a suspension as his offence was covered by UCI&#8217;s medical rules rather than being classed as an anti-doping violation, he was left with no chance but to take a hiatus season in 2023 with no top-level racing. He returned in 2024, however, rejoining his near-life-long team Movistar for the final part of his career.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-early-years-and-glory-at-the-2014-giro-d-italia-3\">The early years and glory at the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia<\/h2>\n<p id=\"c4a22106-0c32-4e2d-8bb7-b39e21fd4b68\">As could be expected of a hugely talented climber, Quintana&#8217;s first breakthrough result came in the Volta a Catalunya in 2011, taking the mountains title with the small Colombia es Pasi\u00f3n squad, and rendering his announcement of his retirement on the eve of the same race this March even more appropriate.<\/p>\n<p>Quintana then joined his first major squad, Movistar, in 2012, where he was one of the few climbers able to withstand the might of Team Sky in races like the Crit\u00e9rium du Dauphin\u00e9, where he won the Queen Stage.<\/p>\n<p>He then made a mark as a key support rider for teammate Alejandro Valverde in the Vuelta that year, most memorably on the agonisingly steep slopes of Cuitu Negru.<\/p>\n<p>Far, far more was to come in 2013, when Quintana provided the upset of the Tour by pushing Chris Froome the hardest as the Briton carved out his first overall victory.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"06bb558b-f696-471c-9919-19947d627d8b\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3RWNQMEDqLpURweL5YX2v3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Quintana battling Chris Froome at the 2015 Tour de France <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"aab6d5b9-5e2a-44af-987a-3ccaf8655d8a\">Only woefully unambitious team tactics by Movistar in the Pyrenees reduced his chances to impact there, but he still got a major stage win at Semnoz on the second last day, and second overall in Paris, too.<\/p>\n<p>Together with Alberto Contador, Quintana was seen as the rider most likely to give Sky a run for their money as the British team imposed a claustrophobic domination of the Tour for year after year.<\/p>\n<p>Yet despite being able to carve out a somewhat controversial victory in the 2014 Giro d&#8217;Italia \u2013 what exactly transpired on the snowy descent of the Stelvio and how many instructions about stopping (or not) during a neutralisation have never been resolved \u2013 Quintana was never consistently able to match Froome in the mountains.<\/p>\n<p>There were some impressive near-misses, too, most notably in 2015, when Quintana claimed his second Tour podium after pushing Froome to the limit on the final ascent to Alpe d&#8217;Huez. But time after time, be it at Ax-3 Domaines in 2013, the Ventoux in 2015 or the Megeve TT in the Alps in 2016, the Briton had his number.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-second-grand-tour-win-and-a-new-role-3\">A second Grand Tour win and a new role<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"9e0915d1-02fd-4c70-8dfa-929c82db4394\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fe5tzud6Jftfexx4Yr6UyB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana racing to victory at the 2016 Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a after dropping Chris Froome on the road to Formigal <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"68d7169c-43c9-4ac0-ae1d-851a8e82c595\">The only time the boot was truly on the other foot came in the 2016 Vuelta, where Froome and Sky came a radical cropper after Quintana and Contador made a rare combination to destroy the Briton&#8217;s team on the road to Formigal and then leave him out of overall contention in the process.<\/p>\n<p>It was a hugely impressive effort, but never repeated, although Quintana&#8217;s duel against Tom Dumoulin in 2017 in the Giro d&#8217;Italia ended in a narrow defeat by the Dutchman, and yet more question marks about what might have been with some more sharply-honed team tactics.<\/p>\n<p>By then, though, Quintana was moving out of his GC contender phase in favour of occasional blazes of glory and stage wins, the most recent \u2013 and his final Grand Tour race lead \u2013 coming in a memorable last-ditch breakaway on the streets of Calpe early in the 2019 Vuelta.<\/p>\n<p>Quintana&#8217;s complicated position in the hierarchy at Movistar, as seen in insider films like &#8216;The Least Expected Day&#8217;, may well have contributed to his decision to head for Ark\u00e9a-Samsic in 2020. Initially, as he took a string of early-season victories at the French squad, it seemed like a renaissance was on the cards.<\/p>\n<p>That ended, though, with his positive for Tramadol, after which he spent a year out of racing before re-signing for Movistar.<\/p>\n<p>By then, Quintana was already moving into team worker mode, and he did not take a single victory in his last two-and-a-bit seasons. His last major flourish, a long breakaway through the Dolomites in the 2024 Giro d&#8217;Italia, where he was remorselessly overtaken by the all-conquering Tadej Poga\u010dar close to the finish, felt very like a valedictory gesture.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, despite claiming early this season that &#8220;old dogs don&#8217;t lose their sense of smell&#8221; \u2013 that the ambition to win never really dies \u2013 Quintana had already been hinting at an imminent retirement.<\/p>\n<p>This was finally confirmed on Sunday, in Barcelona, on the eve of the race, where in many senses, it all began for the quietly-spoken Colombian, way back in 2011.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"ace0e432-f643-49db-a2ab-2f19939f7d11\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PizvfGUFXncPW3qczHCP6B-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Nairo Quintana en route to claiming the mountains classification title at the 2011 Volta a Catalunya <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/former-tour-de-france-runner-up-and-multiple-grand-tour-champion-nairo-quintana-announces-retirement-for-end-of-season\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VNuJhWf8ciyvHe59Ktf72k-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Movistar Team Nairo Quintana Former Tour de France runner-up and multiple Grand Tour champion Nairo Quintana announces retirement for end of season News By Alasdair Fotheringham published 22 March 2026 Veteran Giro d&#8217;Italia and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a winner, 36, set to quit after 16 seasons When you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1840800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1840800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1840800"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1840800\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1840800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1840800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1840800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}