Nairo Quintana has confirmed that once he has finished training at altitude at home in Colombia, he will return to racing at the Route du Sud before trying to win the Tour de France at the third attempt.

 "We have done a good preparation, I am healthy, and I'm emotionally very well with the family," Quintana said speaking at press conference in Colombia before travelling to Europe. "So far everything is going well. I always say I'm a professional, I've trained one hundred percent to reach the big goal, and then I leave everything in God's hands."

Quintana has always been a classy rider, but he seems to have taken an even bigger step up in 2016, winning Catalunya and Romandie in imperious fashion.

"This year I rested well, trained well and the spring races were better than last year, I won two and in the other I was third," Quintana highlighted. "My level was higher and I think that I am maturing more every year. I am the same as last year, with more maturity and tranquility, knowing that I have a good team that will help me."

He explained his decision to race the smaller French race over WorldTour level events like the Dauphine and Suisse as it allows him to get race pace with less pressure.

"The last races we've done ended a month ago, and we are also facing a tough race in the Tour. I've done the race several times - I won once (2012) and last year I was second. It has enough French mountain roads, and is good enough to finish the preparation."