Nairo Quintana announces his retirement

Nairo Quintana has confirmed that 2026 will be his last season as a professional cyclist. The Colombian, one of the great figures of modern cycling, will end his career after competing in the Vuelta a España, thus closing a chapter that has marked an entire generation.

Nairo Quintana will end his career after the Vuelta a España 2026

The announcement was made in Barcelona, ahead of the Volta a Catalunya, in a setting full of symbolism for a rider who began his international projection there.

During his farewell, Quintana insisted that his successes were never individual, but shared with an entire country. The Colombian recalled his humble origins in Boyacá and how each achievement also represented millions of people who believed in him.

Beyond the results, with the Giro 2014 and the Vuelta 2016 as major milestones, his figure has been key to consolidating Colombian cycling in the world elite. His impact, as he himself explained, is also measured by the ability to inspire new generations and the social effect that his career has had.

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Far from speaking of retirement in definitive terms, Quintana made it clear that he faces this stage as a transition. His intention is to remain connected to the sport, promote business projects, and work on the development of cycling, especially among young people.

The Colombian explained that this step is also a personal matter: prioritizing his family and dedicating time to a new life stage outside of competition.

In his review of his career, Quintana highlighted key names from his journey. He pointed to Alberto Contador as one of the toughest and most admired rivals, while he fondly remembered his time in the team with Alejandro Valverde, one of his great references since arriving in Europe.

He also mentioned the generation with which he shared the peloton, with names like Chris Froome and Peter Sagan, and acknowledged that his retirement symbolizes, in part, the end of an era in professional cycling.

Far from nostalgia, Quintana assured that he faces this moment with tranquility. He considers that being able to choose when to close his career is a privilege and emphasized that his greatest satisfaction is not just the victories, but the impact he has had on the lives of many people.