Before a strong stage on Spain’s Tenerife island, Nairo Quintana will be at the start of the Route du Sud. The Colombian rider hopes to improve his physical condition in order to be at the top in the Tour de France. The Movistar team leader explained that he was not the big favorite.

"We should remember that Contador has won three Tours, Nibali has won three grand tours, and Froome has also won a Tour, so compared to them, I am the one who’s won the least", Quintana said during the press conference in Bogotá according to Velonews. 

Quintana studied the route of the second three-week race of the season. "The most difficult stage will be Alpe d’Huez. The first week will be challenging, but I know I will have a strong team around me." Indeed, Alejandro Valverde, who finished 9th in Critérium du Dauphiné. "Valverde and I together can make the race difficult for our rivals, and turn it to our favor. We have a lot of trust between us and we are very united for this Tour. No other team has that card to play."

"I am in good shape and at a very good weight right now. I know with the training and work I’ve done all year that I will be able to go to the Tour with confidence", he added.

Last month, he came back at home, in Combita, at 9,252 feet. "That’s the advantage that we Colombians have; we are already at altitude, so we do not have to spend even more time away from our family and friends, who already make many sacrifices for us during the year,” Quintana said. “I know the work I have to do, and I am serious about my training. We have good roads around my home, so why go someplace else? One is always more comfortable when one is at home."