Nairo Quintana retires from professional cycling after 17 seasons

Colombian professional cyclist Nairo Quintana officially retired from elite competition on October 3, 2026, following his final race at the Giro dell'Emilia in Italy. The 36-year-old climber, who rose from humble farming roots in Boyacá, received a guard of honor from the peloton, with riders lifting their bicycles to recognize his 17-season career.

Quintana leaves a significant legacy in professional cycling, having secured 53 career victories. His major achievements include winning the Giro d'Italia in 2014 and the Vuelta a España in 2016. He was also a frequent podium finisher in the Tour de France, securing second place in 2013 and 2015, and third in 2016.

Throughout his career, Quintana was known for his climbing prowess and intense rivalries with riders such as Chris Froome. While his later years were marked by challenges, including doping controversies, he remained a central figure in Colombian sports, helping to establish the nation as a powerhouse in global cycling.