Colombian Nairo Quintana of Movistar Team was crowned champion of the 68th edition of the Vuelta a Asturias this Sunday, securing his third title in this Spanish race after the completion of the fourth and final stage, a 152-kilometer route between Lugones and Oviedo.
Retiring with honor remains the goal of the “Condor,” who soared once again in Asturias. After four years without a trophy, the Boyacá native triumphed on Spanish soil, reaching 21 official victories in his career and solidifying his status as the most successful cyclist in Colombian history and one of the country’s greatest icons.
The key to this victory came on the queen stage, where Quintana took the win and staged a remarkable comeback, climbing 14 places in the general classification. This was enough to secure the lead in a race he had already won in 2017 and 2021, and which he now conquers again just months before his retirement.
“I’ll keep riding around here, I’ll keep riding around here with my friends. I don’t know if we’ll be back here in races, but I want to express my immense gratitude for all the love you’ve shown us, for all the support, for coming out onto the streets, for always cheering me on. This is a place I will always carry in my heart,” said the champion, Nairo Quintana, with heartfelt words.
Nairo crossed the finish line in fourth place, a result that allowed him to secure the title with Movistar Team, his first since returning to the team. He was joined on the podium by Adrià Pericas in second place and his compatriot Diego Pescador in third, guaranteeing a double Colombian presence among the top three.
Quintana surprised everyone with his continued ability in cycling despite announcing his retirement at 36, proving wrong those who considered him finished. The championship earned him a flood of praise on social media from fans worldwide who declared, “This is how great cyclists say goodbye.”
Source: https://h13n.com/nairo-quintana-gana-la-vuelta-asturias-2026/