Nairo Quintana presented with Ibero-American award by King of Spain
Movistar rider received award for best Ibero-American sportsman in the Royal Palace in Madrid
Nairo Quintana was rewarded for his 2014 season efforts on Wednesday, as he was presented with an award for the Best Ibero-American Sportsman of 2014 at the Royal Palace in Madrid by the King of Spain.
>>> 100 Best Riders Right Now: #9 Nairo Quintana
While it might seem somewhat late to be awarding the Colombian for his efforts last year this far in to 2015, it was certainly the 25-year-old's best season to date, as he took victory in the Giro d'Italia ahead of compatriot Rigoberto Uran and Italian Fabio Aru.
Watch: The best of the 2015 Tour de France
The Movistar man received his award at the Spanish National Sports Awards ceremony in the capital, where he was recognised for his achievements by the King and Queen of Spain, with special preference in the award given to those athletes working in Spanish teams.
"It was a real honour to be able to share the stage with such great athletes, and to shake hands with the King, who I have never had the pleasure of speaking to before today," Quintana said before flying back to his native Colombia.
"As I leave for Colombia, I am delighted with my season, and with this award in recognition of the progress I have made in my career.
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"After a few days of rest, I will start training for the 2016 season, when great challenges await me."
Quintana is set to focus on a triple set of goals in 2016, as he looks to better his second place at the Tour de France this year behind Chris Froome (Team Sky), as well as seeking glory at the Olympic road race and the Vuelta a España.
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Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
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