'I want to dedicate it with all my heart to Camilo' - Quintana wins in Asturias amid tragedy

Quintana attacked on the final climb into Pola de Lena to win stage 2 and take the overall lead, producing a familiar solo effort in the mountains. Yet the result unfolded in a subdued atmosphere after news broke earlier in the day that Cristian Camilo Muñoz had died aged 30.

The Colombian rider had been involved in a crash at the Tour du Jura on April 18 while racing for the NU Colombia team. 

He was initially treated at a medical centre in France before travelling to Spain, where he had been scheduled to compete in Asturias. In the days following the accident, he suffered medical complications and died on the morning of April 24.

Muñoz, a native of Boyacá, had spent three seasons in the WorldTour with UAE Team Emirates between 2019 and 2021, racing alongside riders such as Tadej Pogačar, before continuing his career with Colombian teams including EPM and, from 2024, NU Colombia.

Following confirmation of his death, the NU Colombia squad withdrew from the Vuelta a Asturias, while organisers planned a moment of silence at the finish of the stage. 

In a statement, the Colombian Cycling Federation said Muñoz’s passing leaves “an immense void” in Colombian cycling and remembered him for his dedication and character on and off the bike.

Against that backdrop, Nairo Quintana’s victory took on a different meaning. The 36 year old, who has endured several difficult seasons and is now in the final year of his career, described the win as “very special” and dedicated it to Muñoz.

“This victory is very special, and I want to dedicate it with all my heart to the memory of our beloved compatriot Camilo Muñoz,” he said in quotes collected by Marca.