MADRID, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Veteran Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana has confirmed his return to the Spanish 'Movistar' team after a four-year hiatus.
33-year-old Quintana is one of the top specialist climbers in the world, with the 2014 Giro de Italia and the 2016 Vuelta a Espana among his achievements, along with second place in the 2013 and 2015 Tour de France and triumphs in several other important stage races.
The rider originally left Movistar in 2019 to join the Arkea team for the following season.
He finished sixth in the 2022 Tour de France, but his result was scratched after he tested positive for tramadol and although he was not suspended, he left Arkea and in 2023 his activity was limited to riding the Colombian national championships.
In a video declaration, Quintana admitted 2023 had been "a difficult year," but it "has been worthwhile, because I am coming home."
"I want to thank Movistar and the team for this great opportunity, that I have been waiting for a long time and I promise that I will give everything with my heart and my legs," he assured. ■
