Quintana confirms 'final decision' to attempt Giro-Tour double in 2017

Nairo Quintana told Colombian media in a television interview Wednesday that he will ride both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France this season.

Rumors have swirled of Quintana's 2017 objectives since late last year, and El Tiempo quoted the Movistar rider outlining his plans for the Giro-Tour double in December. Movistar manager Eusebio Unzué, however, quickly tempered those statements, insisting that Quintana's calendar was not yet settled.

The 26-year-old Colombian has now reiterated his plan in no uncertain terms, telling television reporters, "The final decision that we are making is to do the Giro and the Tour de France."

Quintana, winner of 2016 Vuelta a España, claimed the overall title at the Giro d'Italia in 2014 in his first and only career appearance in the race. He has never won the Tour de France, though he has finished on the podium three times. His stated plan of riding the year's first two Grand Tours would seem to cast doubt on an attempt at defending his red jersey in Spain.

Quintana also provided details of his early-season calendar in the interview, confirming that he'll follow up a planned visit to the Mallorca Challenge with starts at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, the Abu Dhabi Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico.

Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*

Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets

After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access

Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1