Nairo Quintana's future in professional cycling is uncertain after the Movement for a Credible Cycling praised teams for not signing him following a doping case.
The Colombian rider was found to have used tramadol during the 2022 Tour de France, which is banned by the UCI for in-competition use.
What happened?
The Movement for a Credible Cycling reported 29 doping cases in cycling in 2022, with 23 involving male riders, and only two cases at WorldTour and ProTeam level.
Nairo Quintana's case was included in the statistics, with the MPCC noting that his team, Arkéa-Samsic, ended his contract after the positive test.
The team was praised by the MPCC for taking swift action, with the organisation stating that no member team has since decided to hire Quintana.
Why it matters for Nairo Quintana
Quintana has repeatedly denied taking tramadol, and has tried to speak to the UCI and the MPCC to clear his name.
However, neither organisation has shown any intention of helping his case, leaving the Colombian rider without a team for 2023.
As of March 2023, Quintana is still searching for a new team, and plans to travel to Europe from Colombia to try to find a new contract.
What comes next?
The MPCC's report highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in professional cycling, with the organisation calling for stricter rules and punishments for doping offences.
Nairo Quintana's case serves as a reminder of the risks and consequences of doping in professional sports, and the importance of fair play and clean competition.
The Colombian rider's future in cycling remains uncertain, with his search for a new team ongoing, and the MPCC's report providing a stark reminder of the challenges he faces.
And with the 2023 cycling season already underway, Quintana's chances of finding a new team are dwindling, leaving his career in limbo.
But the MPCC's report also highlights the progress made in the fight against doping, with the number of cases at WorldTour and ProTeam level decreasing significantly in recent years.
So what does the future hold for Nairo Quintana, and can he overcome the challenges he faces to return to professional cycling?
The answer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the Colombian rider's career will never be the same again.