Wrapped in one of the longest dramas of contemporary cycling and when the rumors of his possible retirement from the professional world were the strongest, the Colombian Nairo Quintana offered a press conference in which he confirmed that he remains open to offers from European cycling.
Likewise, in the statement itself read before hundreds of journalists, it is appreciated that he ruled out running in Colombia for now, since he feels that he can still carry the colors of his country’s flag on the great highways of the world.
He reiterated that he is a clean athlete and that he has never tested positive, despite the dozens of doping controls he has undergone. With his usual optimism, he announced that he will travel to Europe in the second week of February “to build bridges” with some teams and businessmen.
Regarding his personal projects, he commented that he will not put aside his business projects and is optimistic regarding the sports training of young cyclists in the not too distant future.
Statement read by Nairo Quintana
“Good morning everyone. It had been a long time since I had seen such an audience. It is known and understood that it is because of the speculation that has recently surrounded the media, social networks and in general. These are words that I have written with my fist and lyrics. Words that many of you will remember and that I am nervous to communicate. This is what will happen from now on with Nairo Quintana. It begins like this: a true cyclist does not give up in the face of adversity. Cycling lovers, journalist, fans … the life of a cyclist, regardless of whether he is a leader, gregarious, or a humble member of a team… is synonymous with struggle. We are fighters and all of us, regardless of our achievements, have dedicated a large part of our existence to fight against adversity. I am no exception. I consider myself a fighter who, above all, I recognize in Colombian cycling men and women who overcome all kinds of circumstances: poverty, inequality, discrimination and injustice. My career with As a fan, as a rider here and later in Europe with Movistar and Arkea have been public. I have always responded to questions and situations that have seemed wrong to me. I have been aware of the public that suffers with me in the difficult challenges. Thanks to the support of my coaches and teammates and the encouragement that all Colombians have given me, I have become the Latino cyclist with the most titles in history to date. Titles like the Giro, LaVuelta and more than 19 victories and generals as well as stages and many more victories. This is the result of a disciplined fight and the motivation of an entire country. Today I want to tell you that I am in good shape to continue. I am in very good shape to continue. Due to the events of the last few months, the rarefied atmosphere and the inexplicable wall that I have built for myself is undeniable. I keep going. I am a cyclist who is used to rain, cold, heat, falls and scratches, but also to get up and keep pedaling.
Struggle and sacrifice are the ways I know to develop in life. I am going to continue fighting to compete and to continue on the bike until my body and my mind resist. I am an honest runner, I always have been, in my more than 260 controls in the last ten years of my career I have not had any problems. Since I have been a professional since 2009 I have respected the rules, competed with integrity and respected and honored fair play. These moments of uncertainty have not been easy but I assume them with the unconditional support of my family, permanent support in these difficult times, and from my work team that has never doubted my honesty and commitment to fair sport and the highest ethical standards in the exercise of my profession. Although it is true that I still do not have a team, I am a cyclist who is still available to wear a jersey and give my best on the road. Without a doubt, my track record supports me. Pedaling I reminded the Colombians that it is possible to win against the best, that we can climb to the top of the podium. You are witnesses of the growth of the teams where I have been, of my strength and performance in recent years, which has allowed me to be ahead of the best and continue winning in different races.
I want to compete again, put on a number, feel the demand to respond to a team, the pain in my legs from the effort, but also the satisfaction of victory or of having given my best to the finish line, I want this, I I need it because the competition is in me, but I also need a better environment to be able to be calm and concentrate on it. I cannot finish this intervention without thanking the companies, brand. sponsors who remain by my side, firm because they know my performances and what Nairo Quintana is as a person and athlete. Also to the Colombian teams that have offered me a privileged place in their training, however, my interest is to continue raising the country’s flag in the great races of the world. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my supporters and fans again. Their affection has been fundamental in these months and I have felt it in their messages on all social networks, as well as those who expressed it to me on the road in the Gran Fondo, all this fills me up and recharges me with a lot of energy. It’s nice to know that people appreciate me and appreciate what I’ve done. I am convinced that our mountains will produce the best talents in world cycling, who will read my story and be inspired by it to go out and conquer the world. For now, I want to continue with a bicycle writing more chapters. With love for cycling.”
Source: www.marca.com