Nairo Quintana was struck by a car on July 3, 2020, while training in Motavita, Colombia. The incident occurred when the driver made an improper maneuver and collided with Quintana.
What happened?
The municipal Twitter account reported that the driver's car hit Quintana, who was training with his brother Dayer at the time. Quintana chose not to go to the hospital and instead was treated by his personal doctor.
The incident
Quintana explained the incident in a video posted on his team's social media, stating that the car's mirror hit him, causing a small scratch and blows to his right knee and left thigh. His manager Giuseppe Acquadro said the injuries are not serious.
Impact on upcoming races
The incident may affect Quintana's preparation for the Tour de France, where he is expected to lead Arkéa-Samsic. Quintana had a strong start to the 2020 season before the COVID-19 pandemic halted all races, winning the Tour de la Provence and Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var.
Quintana is scheduled to travel to Europe on July 19 on a special charter flight with other top Colombian pros, including 2019 Tour champion Egan Bernal. The 30-year-old winner of the 2014 Giro d'Italia and 2017 Vuelta a España will look to recover from the incident and prepare for the upcoming Tour de France.
The crash occurred while Quintana was doing an uphill test at full speed. He was hit by the car's mirror and ended up on the ground. Fortunately, the injuries are not serious, and Quintana is expected to make a full recovery.
Road to recovery
Quintana's recovery will be crucial in determining his participation in the Tour de France. His team, Arkéa-Samsic, will be monitoring his progress closely to ensure he is ready for the race. With his experience and skill, Quintana is a strong contender for the Tour de France, and his recovery will be closely watched by fans and rivals alike.
Quintana's manager, Giuseppe Acquadro, stated that Quintana took a hit on his left knee and is now undergoing x-rays. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of cyclists on the road, and Quintana's experience will serve as a reminder of the risks involved in the sport.
The Tour de France is scheduled to start soon, and Quintana's participation will depend on his recovery from the incident. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see if he can make a full recovery and compete at the highest level.