Nairo Quintana: I wanted to be a track cyclist if the road didn't take off
The Colombian climber says he would have wanted to be a top track cyclist if his career didn't take off on the road
Colombian climber Nairo Quintana, second to Team Sky's Chris Froome in the Tour de France twice, would have liked to race on the track had his road career not taken off.
Movistar's captain is racing the Tour de San Luis in Argentina this week as he prepares for the 2016 Tour and Rio de Janeiro Olympics. He finished eighth on the summit finish to Cerro El Amago today.
"A top track cyclist," Quintana told La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper about his other career idea.
"I never rode on the track, but I went to see the races. It's impressive to see how fast they go on bikes without brakes and gear changes. Then the public is so close to the riders, they buy tickets, like in tennis or football. It's different and intriguing."
Track cycling is hugely popular in Colombia, which regularly hosts World Cups and in 2014, the World Championships. Etixx–Quick-Step's new sprint star, Fernando Gaviria first made his name on the track and now counts an omnium gold medal.
Watch: Chris Froome discusses his 2016 goals
Five-foot-six Quintana, from the East Andes, appears suited for the high Grand Tour passes. He nearly toppled Froome on the famous Alpe d'Huez climb last July. He put time into his rival, but it was not enough to overcome the loss he suffered on stage two in the Dutch cross-winds.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"In 2015, I was prepared and worked meticulously," Quintana said. "In 2013, when I was second, I didn't expect it, it wasn't planned."
Quintana quickly became cycling's king of the mountains in the 2013 Tour de France. Then only 23, in his first Tour, he was the only rival that came close to beating Froome at 4-20 minutes in the general classification. However, he had made his name known with not only second overall, but the white jersey, the polka-dot jersey and one stage win.
Movistar put him on a path to win the Giro d'Italia in 2014. He began the year with the overall win in San Luis and went on to reach the team's goal – the first South American to win the overall. Last year, he returned to take on Froome, but fell short. It is his goal again in 2016.
"Even if I've not won, the Tour hasn't become an obsession. I just have to train well and not have bad luck," Quintana added.
"Froome? He's not an enemy, but a rival. We don't speak often, but we've never had problems."
Quintana's track takes him to Europe later this year. His first race on the continent should be the Volta a Catalunya, where, among others, he will take on Froome.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Gregor Brown is an experienced cycling journalist, based in Florence, Italy. He has covered races all over the world for over a decade - following the Giro, Tour de France, and every major race since 2006. His love of cycling began with freestyle and BMX, before the 1998 Tour de France led him to a deep appreciation of the road racing season.
-
Specialized Crux DSW Comp: race-ready US alloy featherweight vs British gravel
The aluminium Crux shares many of the benefits of the carbon model but at a more wallet-friendly price point
By Rachel Sokal Published
-
Pro cyclo-cross rider disqualified and fined after stomping on opponent's bike
Eli Iserbyt apologised for 'rage of anger' at event in Beringen
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Nairo Quintana says he's not retiring. What next?
The Colombian, let go by Arkéa-Samsic last year, is still without a team, but wants to race on
By Adam Becket Published
-
Nairo Quintana says 'keep calm', he’s got a team for next season
The Colombian has been rumoured with a number of WorldTour teams
By Tom Davidson Published
-
AG2R Citroën deny interest in signing Nairo Quintana
Options are running out for the Colombian, as is time
By Adam Becket Published
-
Nairo Quintana withdraws from Vuelta a España: 'I will assert my reasons before the Court of Arbitration for Sport'
The UCI announced the Colombian had tested positive for tramadol twice at the Tour de France, and has been retroactively disqualified
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Nairo Quintana disqualified from Tour de France after twice testing positive for tramadol
The Colombian will still race at the Vuelta a España because it is not considered a doping violation
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Arkéa-Samsic manager says they are 'at the gates of the WorldTour' with aims to join in 2023
The team of Nairo Quintana will get an automatic invite to every WorldTour race in 2022
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Nairo Quintana in talks to sign for André Greipel's Arkéa-Samsic team, according to reports
French media reports the Colombian is in advanced discussions with the Breton team
By Jonny Long Published
-
Nairo Quintana knocked off by fan but still wins Tour Colombia queen stage
Home fans may have become a little too involved in the action at Tour Colombia, after Nairo Quintana was knocked from his bike by a spectator.
By Alex Ballinger Published