Nairo Quintana (born 1990) officially announced on March 22, 2026, at a press conference held in Catalonia, Spain, that he will end his professional cycling career at the end of the 2026 season. Fans will be able to see his last mountain attack at this year's Vuelta a España.
Retirement Date
After the 2026 season ends (the final race is scheduled to be the 2026 Vuelta a España)
Reason for Retirement
A decision to step away from 17 years at the top level to spend more time with family and focus on developing young talent and personal business ventures
Retirement Comments
Every race this season will be my last dance. I want to enjoy my final season together with the fans.
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Quintana elevated Colombian cycling's status by serving as the most formidable rival in mountain stages against Chris Froome during Team Sky's golden era.
Grand Tours
2 Grand Tour victories:
2014 Giro d'Italia: First Colombian to win the Giro.
2016 Vuelta a España: A dramatic victory after defeating Chris Froome.
Tour de France Podiums:
2nd place overall (2013, 2015)
3rd place overall (2016)
At his debut in 2013, he claimed 2nd place overall, the Young Rider Jersey (White), and the Mountain King Jersey (Polka Dot) simultaneously
Stage wins across all three Grand Tours.
Major Stage Race Victories
Tirreno-Adriatico (2015, 2017)
Volta a Catalunya (2016)
Tour de Romandie (2016)
Vuelta al País Vasco (2013)
Career Significance and Records
Symbol of a Pure Climber
Despite his small stature of 167cm, he displayed powerful performances in high mountain terrain with explosive climbing ability.
Career Victories
He recorded more than approximately 51 professional victories.
Later Career
He faced setbacks in 2022 when results were stripped due to a tramadol detection controversy and struggled to find a team, but he made a comeback with his original team Movistar in 2024 to burn with renewed passion. Although Quintana never wore the Yellow Jersey (Tour de France champion), he will be remembered as one of the most consistent and formidable general classification contenders of the 2010s.
