Nairo Quintana has been named Colombian sportsman of the year at the end of a season that saw him finish 2nd in the Tour de France as well as winning both the polka-dot and white jerseys in the world's biggest race. The Movistar rider thanked all Colombian fans for their support at the ceremony which was held in Bogota.

Nairo Quintana became a national hero in 2013 when he was the only rider that could really challenge a superior Chris Froome in the Tour de France. In his first participation in the world's biggest race, the 23-year-old finished 2nd overall and won a big mountain stage as well as the white and polka-dot jerseys.

His status has been underlined by yesterday's decision to name him the Colombian athlete of the year. He received the prize at a ceremony held in Bogota while triple jump athlete Caterine Ibargüen was named Sportswoman of the year.

Quintana did not only shine in the Tour de France. Already in March, he proved his potential when he won a stage in the Volta a Catalunya and he went on to win the Vuelta al Pais Vasco overall after taking the queen stage along the way. In August, he triumphed in the Vuelta a Burgos after again winning the race's queen stage.

Quintana thanked all Colombian fans for their support in what has generally been an outstanding year for Colombian cycling. In addition to Quintana's exploits, riders like Carlos Betancur, Rigoberto Uran and Sergio Henao have all made headlines in the past year. It is testament to the revival of Colombian cycling that a cyclist has taken the most prestigious sports award in the country.

Quintana has made it clear that he will try to finish on the podium in a grand tour in 2014 but has still not decided whether he will return to the Tour or focus on the Giro d'Italia.