Quintana warns rivals about ‘old dog’ instinct, as Gaviria gets new life after Tour wildcard

Speaking with AS, Quintana admits he may well be riding his final year. The former Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España winner — and a three-time Tour de France podium finisher — says he wants to enjoy what could be the closing chapter. “I feel good. I started my season early because I want to perform straight away in the first half of the year. That way I can go into the rest of the season with a good feeling.”

After three one-day races on Mallorca, Quintana has travelled to Oman, where he is combining the Muscat Classic with the Tour of Oman. “It’s cold in Europe and the route here suits me. Together with Diego Pescador we’re going for the overall win,” said the still-motivated climber. “I realise there isn’t much time left, and that I also have to start thinking about other things.”

“I still don’t know if this is my last year,” Quintana stressed. “We’ll see how this season goes and then we’ll make a decision. Right now I feel good, the body feels strong, and I hope I can avoid injuries. The winter was fantastic in Colombia, and I hope to ride a Grand Tour again this year. I love the Vuelta, but the Giro would also be great.”

Will we see Quintana winning again in 2026? His last victory dates back to the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes et du Var in 2022, but he insists the hunger remains. “The instinct is still there. When a dog gets older, he doesn’t lose his sense of smell. I still feel young, thanks to my team-mates — they give me energy and enjoyment on the bike. And that enjoyment becomes even bigger if I can stand on a podium again.”

Gaviria also hopes to win in 2026. The sprinter is now 31 and moved this winter from Movistar to Caja Rural–Seguros RGA. At the Tour of Oman he immediately sprinted to second place on stage 1 — and the Spanish ProTeam has already secured a wildcard for the Tour de France.

“I’ve thought about retirement, but Caja Rural pushed me to continue,” Gaviria told AS. “I had doubts, because I’ve ridden for big teams and Caja Rural is different. But the differences aren’t actually that big.” The Colombian says his ambitions are clear. “I still haven’t won a stage in the Vuelta, but the Tour is the Tour. It’s a dream that we can go to the Tour with this team — it changes the whole mindset. The big goal is in July.”

And beyond 2026? Gaviria has only signed a one-year deal with Caja Rural. “Caja Rural will be my first choice. They’re giving me this opportunity and they deserve that opportunity, even if WorldTour teams come calling. I hope I can contribute to the team’s success and I’m enjoying riding again. What’s missing to complete it all is wins.”