Nairo Quintana’s Retirement & Business Ventures Fuel Colombia’s Cycling Boom

Colombian cycling star Nairo Quintana is expected to announce his retirement from professional cycling on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at a press conference in Girona, Spain, ahead of the Volta a Catalunya. The 36-year-ancient Quintana has convened the press conference, scheduled for noon Colombian time at the Hotel S’Agaró, alongside Eusebio Unzué, the sports director of Movistar Team.

The announcement comes as Quintana is pre-registered to compete in the Volta a Catalunya, a race he won in 2016, fueling speculation that the event could serve as his farewell to the sport. Although Quintana renewed his contract with Movistar Team in late October 2025 for an additional season, reports from teammates, including Einer Rubio, had suggested 2026 would be his final year in professional cycling.

Quintana’s potential retirement marks the end of a 17-year career at the elite level of cycling. Beyond his athletic achievements, Quintana has diversified into several business ventures. His “Tienda Nairo” offers a range of products including cycling apparel, casual wear, and accessories such as gloves, helmets, and jackets. The store also sells his autobiography, detailing his journey from his hometown of Cómbita to international cycling circuits, and coffee branded with his name.

Other business interests include “9:30 Take a Break,” a coffee shop focused on experiential coffee sales, and “El parche de Nairo,” a combination bicycle repair shop and restaurant. Quintana also organizes the “Gran Fondo Nairo Fest,” an annual three-day event featuring cycling, running, and children’s competitions, scheduled for October 9-11, 2026.

The popularity of cyclists like Quintana has contributed to a growing cycling market in Colombia. Consultancy EMR Claight reported the Colombian bicycle market reached US$208.6 million in 2025, with projections for 6.8% growth between 2026 and 2035, reaching a value of US$402 million. HA Bicicletas currently leads the sector in Colombia, with reported revenues of $652.085 million, according to Superfinanciera data.

The Superintendency of Societies in Colombia has noted the increasing economic importance of cycling, extending beyond sports to influence tourism, manufacturing, and sustainable transportation. The country has established itself as a global cycling hub, building on the legacies of riders like Luis Alberto ‘Lucho’ Herrera and Fabio Parra, and more recently, Nairo Quintana, Rigoberto Urán, and Egan Bernal, who have achieved success in major tours like the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, and Giro d’Italia.

The Movistar Team has authorized Quintana to address the media on Sunday, leading to expectations that a formal announcement regarding his future will be made.