Having secured another second place in the Tour de France, Nairo Quintana was again on the podium in Paris. However, the effort to get there has now prompted him to cast doubt over his participation in the Vuelta a Espana.

"I'm happy and excited," he told Letour.fr. "It's my second podium for my second participation. We also won the teams classification, which is very important for those who usually don't get rewarded. The podium is spectacular. Compared with two years ago, this time I came as a sole leader and it adds value to my achievement. In 2013, I was in a state of shock, I didn't understand what was happening. Now I'm more mature. I'm more of a leader. My career is going very well.

"I think Froome is a great opponent and I have made him suffer to win. He is a very strong rider who deserves the victory. He has worked hard for it. I have many years to win this race, I am only 25 years old."

Now the question is whether he will do the Vuelta. Alejandro Valverde will definitely be at the start and Movistar manager Eusebio Unzue has already announced the intention to line up Quintana.

"We're still thinking about it. It depends on the physical condition," the Colombian told TVE.