‘Impossible, even at my best’ - Nairo Quintana admits he could never have matched Tadej Pogacar

With 53 professional victories to his name, including the 2014 Giro d'Italia, the 2016 Vuelta a España and two editions of Tirreno-Adriatico, Quintana leaves behind one of the most successful careers in Colombian cycling history. He also claimed three Tour de France stage wins and finished on the podium of the French Grand Tour three times, but never managed to win the yellow jersey.

Speaking to MARCA following his farewell celebrations in Colombia, the former Movistar leader reflected on how much professional cycling has changed since his battles with Froome.

The difference in level was underlined when Quintana was asked whether he could have challenged today's Pogačar at his peak in 2015.

"Impossible, impossible. Completely impossible. Not even at my best could I have competed with him."

Quintana finished second to Chris Froome at the Tour de France in both 2013 and 2015, but believes the level has since moved well beyond what he was capable of at his peak.

"I had the numbers I had, and in recent years I've even improved my numbers, but I was getting further and further away in the general classification," he explained.

"In my era, with the watts I had, I could produce very good races and defend myself. Later, even with more watts, I found my place helping and contributing."

For all his success, the Tour de France remained the one major prize missing from Quintana's palmares.

Froome proved his biggest obstacle, with the Briton's strength against the clock and the dominance of Team Sky regularly leaving Quintana needing to make up time in the mountains.

"He beat me. He had the strongest team and I was at a big disadvantage in the time trials," Quintana acknowledged.

Despite their rivalry, Froome attended Quintana's farewell celebrations in Colombia, where the two former rivals had the chance to catch up.

"Beyond the rivalry, the good thing about this sport is that it leaves you with friends."

And while Quintana came close to winning the Tour, he wouldn't trade his Giro and Vuelta victories for the yellow jersey.

"No. I always say I gave my best. The Tour was always the objective, but I gave everything. I have nothing left to wonder about."

Quintana also looked back on the difficult period at Movistar when he shared leadership duties with Alejandro Valverde and Mikel Landa.

"Clearly, there was discomfort on all three sides because the strategy was no longer focused on one leader, but on three," he admitted.

The Colombian insists there is no lingering resentment. He left Movistar in 2019 before returning in 2024, eventually finishing his career with the Spanish team.

His decision to retire, however, had been made well before his final season. Quintana revealed that he told Movistar manager Eusebio Unzué two years ago that he would not sign another contract.

"Look, this is the last contract we're doing and I don't want any more," he recalled telling Unzué.

Even more victories in his final season would not have persuaded him to continue.

"You have to give young riders opportunities. With the strength they're coming through with, staying around to finish third, fifth or tenth doesn't make sense."

Quintana also pointed to the increasing demands placed on professional riders.

"Cycling today is much more intense, not only in competition but also in everyday life," he said.

The Colombian now intends to spend more time with his family while developing cycling events and projects aimed at encouraging youngsters to take up the sport. He has also considered creating his own team, although nothing concrete is planned.

"Other things and other projects motivate me now. I also want to enjoy life."