Quintana accuses teammate of costing him victory in 2015

Nairo Quintana settles its accounts with its old team, Movistar. In an interview with ESPN, the Colombian, now part of the Arkéa-Samsic Breton squad, accuses one of his former teammates, without naming him, of having scuttled him and having cost him the final victory on the Tour from France 2015. It sets the scene during the ascent of Alpe d’Huez during the last mountain stage before arrival on the Champs Elysées. That day, Quintana had taken 1’20 ” on Christopher Froome. Insufficient to catch up on the latter, finally crowned with 1’12 ” ahead.

“Because of this rider, it was impossible to win the Tour”

Without specifying the exact circumstances of this “betrayal”, Quintana is still bitter. “On this stage of the Alpe d’Huez, we had a strategy and teammates respected it very well but others, no, he said. There was a moment that day – and he knows it – when, practically because of this rider, it was impossible to win the Tour de France. “

On this day, Alejandro Valverde had attacked the Iron Cross Pass earlier today before Quintana joined him. Froome had caught up with the pair in the descent before Quintana still managed to extricate himself with the help of his compatriot Winner Anacona. Insufficient to win the Tour. “I remember it as a sad day, because of the opportunity that I missed,” concluded Quintana. I gave everything I had The team did an exceptional job, with a great Winner Anacona who helped me during part of the final climb. “

–

–