Nairo Alexánder Quintana Rojas is a renowned Colombian professional racing cyclist, born on February 4, 1990, in Cómbita, Boyacá, Colombia.
Nicknamed “Nairoman” and “El Cóndor de los Andes,” he is celebrated for his exceptional climbing abilities, enabling him to launch powerful attacks on steep gradients during major races.
Growing up in a humble farming family, Quintana’s early life involved using a second-hand mountain bike to travel 16 kilometers to school through the challenging Andean terrain, which honed his natural talent for endurance and ascent.
His father, a cycling enthusiast, recognized his potential after a serious accident at age 15 left him in a coma for five days, investing in a racing bike to support his son’s ambitions.
Siblings
Nairo comes from a close-knit family of five children, with parents Luis Quintana and Eloisa Rojas.
He has two sisters, Nelly and Lady, and two brothers, Willington and Dayer.
His younger brother Dayer Quintana is also a professional cyclist, having raced alongside Nairo for teams like Movistar and Arkéa-Samsic, sharing a passion for the sport that stems from their shared upbringing in Boyacá.
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Career
Quintana’s professional journey began with the Colombian team Boyacá es para Vivirla before he joined the Spanish squad Movistar Team in 2012, marking his entry into European racing where he quickly rose to prominence as a Grand Tour contender.
His breakthrough came in 2013 with victories in the Tour of the Basque Country and Vuelta a Burgos, followed by a strong debut at the Tour de France where he secured second overall.
He dominated the 2014 Giro d’Italia, claiming the general classification, and repeated Grand Tour success by winning the 2016 Vuelta a España.
After departing Movistar in 2019, he raced for Arkéa-Samsic until returning to Movistar in a move blending emotional and competitive motivations.
Known for his stamina and tactical prowess, Quintana has competed in all three major Grand Tours, often challenging top riders like Chris Froome, though he faced setbacks such as a 2019 Tour de France disqualification due to tramadol usage.
In 2025, he continued racing, finishing 25th in the Giro d’Italia with a combativity award.
Accolades
Quintana’s illustrious career boasts two Grand Tour victories: the 2014 Giro d’Italia and the 2016 Vuelta a España, alongside second-place finishes in the Tour de France in 2013 and 2015.
He has amassed over 50 professional wins, including stage victories in all three Grand Tours—three in the Giro, three in the Tour, and two in the Vuelta—and overall titles in prestigious week-long races such as Tirreno-Adriatico (twice), Volta a Catalunya, Tour de Romandie, and Tour of the Basque Country.
Additional highlights include the 2010 Tour de l’Avenir win, the polka-dot jersey for best climber and young rider classification at the 2013 Tour de France, and six Grand Tour podiums overall.
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