Movistar’s Nairo Quintana has won his first Grand Tour with victory at the 2014 Giro d’Italia, finishing two minutes 58 seconds ahead of Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma – Quick-Step) in the general classifications. Astana’s Fabio took third overall on +4:04″. Luka Mezgec (Giant-Shimano) was the winner of the final stage of the Giro – 169km, Gemona del Friulli to Trieste – with a time of 4:23:58, holding off Trek’s Giacomo Nizzolo into second (on the same time) and Garmin’s Tyler Farrar into third.
Commenting on his momentous victory Quintana said: ‘It’s one of the happiest days in my life. I always dreamt of winning a Grand Tour and now it’s become real. Thanks to my team, my family and all the people that supported me, this is now achieved. I wasn’t expecting at all to see so many Colombians in Trieste today. It was amazing to see so many flags through the circuit and around the podium. I’m super proud of my country.’ Reemphasising his patriotism he added: ‘This generation of Colombian riders like me – we’re showing the world, since some of us came to Europe in 2012, we can win stages, important races, we show our quality – yet today’s win is a huge reality, another big success…’
Quintana had not been expected to compete in this year’s Tour de France, despite finishing second to Chris Froome in 2013, although victory at the Giro may now change Movistar’s plans.
