Quintana still hungry at 36: 'Even if the dog gets old, it does not lose its sense of smell'

When the topic turned to age, Quintana did not hide from it. “We keep adding years,” he told AS. “The experience is there now. It is a moment to realise that there is not much left and it is time to start thinking about other things too.”

That reflection is not the same as a goodbye. Quintana is here to race, and to help the team. He explained that starting early was a deliberate choice, aimed at building form and momentum for the rest of the season. “I feel good. We started the season early because I want a strong first part of the year and to build good feelings for the rest of the campaign,” he said.

Oman, he added, was also practical. “In Europe it was very cold. I live in Andorra. We felt this race suited me well and we also brought a strong group of young riders to do good work.” 

His job this week is tied to a younger teammate, with Quintana describing a shared focus on the overall standings. “To try to be at the front together with Diego Pescador and aim for the general classification with him,” he said.

The respect he still commands is obvious in the small moments. After the Clásica de Muscat, local fans waited for Quintana rather than the podium finishers, looking for a signature and a photo.

Quintana’s reputation was made years ago. He won the Tour de l’Avenir in 2010 and quickly moved from prospect to Grand Tour contender. The peak came with overall wins at the Giro d’Italia in 2014 and the Vuelta a España in 2016, plus second place at the Tour de France in both 2013 and 2015 and taking stage wins in all three Grand Tours.

The question of retirement, though, remains unanswered. Quintana would not commit either way. “I do not know,” he said. “We will see how the season goes and then decide. For now I feel good, with strong sensations, and I hope to have the luck to avoid injuries.”

And while his 2026 programme is not yet fixed, he made clear that a Grand Tour place is still a goal, with one race standing out. “I hope to be in some of them. I really like the Vuelta, it is a great race and summer has always suited me,” he said. “But if I go to the Giro, that is fine too.” 

His motivation is still the old one. “To be on a podium in a race. To win,” he said. “The instinct is still there and even if the dog gets old, it does not lose its sense of smell.”