Nairo Quintana claimed victory in the second stage of the 68th Vuelta a Asturias on Friday, April 24, 2026, soloing to the finish in Pola de Lena after a decisive attack in the final kilometers.
The Colombian rider, a two-time overall winner of the race in 2017 and 2021, broke clear of his rivals on the Alto de Carabanzo climb and maintained his advantage to cross the line ahead of the peloton.
Quintana dedicated his stage win to his late compatriot Cristian Camilo Muñoz, who passed away earlier that day and was scheduled to compete in the race with his NU Colombia team.
The NU Colombia squad did not start the stage in tribute to Muñoz following his fatal accident during the Tour du Jura.
Quintana’s win moved him into the lead of the general classification, holding a margin of over thirty seconds over his nearest challenger, Adrià Pericas of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The stage, covering 140.8 kilometers from Llanes to Pola de Lena, featured a controlled early pace before Quintana’s decisive move on the final ascent.
His performance ended a four-year winless streak in the Vuelta a Asturias, marking his first stage victory since 2022.
The victory solidified Quintana’s return to form as he continues to compete at the highest level despite his age.
