2nd award for Quintana

Colombian rider from Movistar Team back on top of the voting by the jury of experts and fans all over the country after excellent 2014 season, including overall Giro d'Italia honours

There were no doubts after his extraordinary merits achieved in the last two months as Nairo Quintana left the JW Marriott hotel in Bogotá with a smile in his face, having received the award as 2014 Colombian Sportsperson of the Year. The gala, sponsored by Movistar and coordinated by newspaper El Espectador, celebrated the success of the national figures and recognized the work by all coaches, youngsters and legends, whose relay was gladly taken once again by the Movistar Team’s leader.

“I’m really happy and proud to have claimed this award again,” said Nairo during his acceptance speech, with no papers to help him out. “It reinforces my commitment to keep taking efforts every year and do things better. I want to thank especially my wife, my daughter and all my family for always being by my side; to all the people supporting me through social media; and the sponsors and members of my team, as well in Colombia as in Europe.”

“It’s really rewarding for all sportspeople like us to see our efforts recognized after a long year. I could finally raise my arms victorious today after my crash in the Vuelta a España – I didn’t really want to make you suffer, but rather cry out of emotion, as I did during the Giro. It was really touching to see everyone in pink and all the media supporting us with such a beautiful colour. We hope to repeat last year’s exploits in 2015, this time in yellow!”, he finished.