Even though Nairo Quintana has only two season as a professional cyclist under his belt, it is extremely hard not to become overenthusiastic while describing past achievements of the young Colombian and his impressive progress under the Movistar banner.

As the racing schedule of Quintana, built around Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana for 2014 season, has been officially announced, 23-year old climber who has just added the Tour de San Luis victory to his palmares, could finally relax and reflect on most remarkable moments of his short but stellar career.

The Movistar rider has chosen seven most memorable moments for Biciciclismo, from his victory at the Tour de l’Avenir to runner-up spot at the Tour the France last year.

Tour de l'Avenir 2010 (12 September ). "It was a very exciting time, when I have shown my strength to all Europeans for the first time. It was special to me ."

Critérium Dauphiné 2012 , stage 6 Saint- Alban- Lysse - Morzine (9 June ) . "It was also special because I managed to beat Team Sky, hurt them a little in the mountains, even though they were so strong and ready to compete at the tour the France. It was exciting.

After I won in Murcia that year I started to think I’m able to achieve some significant results in the discipline, and the stage victory at Dauphine came as a confirmation. The truth is I’m not a puncher, but I know how to defend well. "

Vuelta a Espana 2012 , stage 17 Santander- Fuente (5 September ). "I felt very proud and happy that I could constantly improve . I couldn’t get any closer because the first few days were played in the soaring heat up to almost 50 degrees, while temperatures about 15 degrees were initially forecasted. I fell out of contention because of those circumstances, while I was hoping to end up in the top 10 of the general classification. Alejandro helped in Lagos, Negru Cuitu ... that gave me a lot of confidence."

2013 Vuelta al Pais Vasco (6 April ). "It was very important. I knew I could win. All the riders and equipment were suffering because of very bad weather conditions, but the trust from the team, team-mates, mechanics, Arri ( José Luis Arrieta , athletic director), Eusebio ( Unzué ) gave me wings and when a job is done properly you can get a good result. "

Tour de France 2013. 13th stage: Tours - Saint- Amand- Montrond. “I stayed a little bit behind to check if Alejandro as able to make a connection, but I wasn’t forced to wait. I was able to defend myself well even though I was left alone and I had a feeling we [with Valverde] can truly get along and that I won some hearts that day.”

15th stage: Givors-Mont Ventoux (14 July ). "It was one of those days when I've given it all, I always do, but that day was extreme because I had to make the decision by myself even without consulting the team, I had to attack from afar to be on the podium ."

The podium (21 July ). "I was in shock felt overwhelmed by what I managed to achieve, by the beauty of this day, one of the happiest of my life. It was amazing, I wanted to cry from happiness exactly like I did when I won the Tour stage in Annecy [the day before]".