Nairo Quintana excluded from Movistar Team's 2026 Vuelta a España lineup

Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana will not participate in the 2026 Vuelta a España, as the Movistar Team has excluded him from their official lineup for the 81st edition of the race. The 36-year-old rider, who is approaching retirement at the end of this season, stated that the decision was based on technical and strategic reasons from the team's management.

Despite having undergone intense preparation in the European mountains and recently winning the Vuelta a Asturias 2026, Quintana was left out in favor of other profiles. He expressed disappointment, noting that he would have liked to retire at the race he won a decade ago in 2016, but he maintains a positive relationship with the team and its general manager, Eusebio Unzué.

The Movistar Team will be led by Enric Mas for the event. Following this exclusion, Quintana's final competitive appearances are expected to focus on his remaining season objectives, with his professional career potentially concluding at the World Road Championships in Montreal.