Nairo Quintana (Movistar) has happily accepted comparisons to Marco Pantani as he attempts to become the first rider since the Italian to win the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France in the same season.
"I suppose I'm similar to Pantani, we're even built the same," Quintana said in a long interview conceded to Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, knowing that getting the Italian tifosi on his side could be useful when when he takes on Vincenzo Nibali and Fabio Aru in May.
"I was only eight and hadn't started cycling in 1998, but I can remember Marco. Our sport has always been widely followed in Colombia and his epic achievement stuck in my mind."
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Pantani achieved the double in 1998. A year later he was suspended from the 1999 Giro d'Italia when a blood test before the mountain stage revealed his haematocrit level was above the accepted 50 per cent limit. The Pirata never overcame the disgrace and feeling of victimization of that day in Madonna di Campiglio, with his career and then his life spiraling out of control until his tragic death on St. Valentines Day 2004.
Few riders have tried to do the double since Pantani. Alberto Contador was the last but he suffered and only finished fifth at the Tour de France after winning the Giro d'Italia in 2015.
Quintana turns 27 on February 4 and is arguably entering the peak of his career. He is quietly spoken and a family man but also emotive and competitive.
Maths and emotions behind the decision for the double
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