Nairo Quintana y su FUERTE crítica hacia el Gobierno de @petrogustavo. "Un gran recorte presupuestal para los deportistas y el Min Deporte. Aquí nadie escucha nada, nadie ha sabido nada y nadie habla sobre ello". Un desastre ha sido el tal "cambio".
Quintana enters new phase in career, and criticizes Colombian government
CyclingSunday, 24 November 2024 at 14:32
For years, names like Lucho Herrera, Santiago Botero, Fabio Parra, Rigoberto Urán, and Nairo Quintana have provided cycling with a yellow-blue-red gloss. Every generation has its Colombian cycling hero. But now that Urán has quit and Quintana no longer is up to par, who will take on that role? Egan Bernal could have worn that crown, but his career is uncertain due to injuries and setbacks. Moreover, according to Quintana, the question is whether Colombia will produce a new top rider soon.
Quintana is, after Urán, Colombia's most famous cyclist. He is one of the most successful cyclists in the country's history, with overall victories in the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España and three podium finishes in the Tour de France. His popularity has earned him enormous popularity, which he also sometimes uses well. For example, he is socially involved and was awarded the Order of Democracy Simón Bolívar, a prestigious award.
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Colombian government must step up talent development
During his speech, Quintana, smartly dressed in a suit and with the charisma of a politician, seized his moment. Addressing the Colombian government directly, he raised an issue close to his heart: the stagnant development of Colombian cycling. For years, there has been an increasing gap between the resources available to young talents in Colombia and those of their European counterparts. According to Quintana, the government needs to do something about it.
"With so many problems in our country, I invite you to support us now. We see big budget cuts for athletes and the Ministry of Sports. But no one seems to notice, no one knows anything, no one talks about it. Historically, in Colombia, we have always resisted difficulties, and we still do - not only on the bike to get results and represent our country, but also by standing up for our young people," said the Colombian climber.
Quintana would like to see young climbers continue to have those opportunities, but they are now under threat. However, whether the request will be heeded remains to be seen. In any case, it does make a valid point. Without the proper support, it becomes increasingly difficult for Colombian talents to match the European cycling talents. In Europe, professionalization, even among the youth, is progressing and will not stop. Hopefully, things will change. Because in a country that breathes cycling like Colombia, a new generation of heroes is expected.
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Quintana is entering a new phase in his career
Quintana also tells CiclismoAlDia about his future, and it is a surprisingly realistic picture. "In this new career phase, it is my turn to share experience with young people. As in every life cycle, there comes a moment of maturity, and you have to reinvent yourself," the Colombian says wisely.
What that reinvention looks like remains to be seen precisely. Quintana otherwise looks positive on his comeback year. "It was a good season, with ups and downs. At least a strong final series in Italy. I'm looking forward to starting the new season in Spain in February. The goal for 2025 is to ride both the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España." In the Giro, Quintana is eager to hunt for a stage again, something he almost managed to do during stage 15 this year. He will also have to do his share of work for Enric Mas in the Vuelta.
View the speech of 'Nairoman' below:
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024