Colombian continental team Medellín-EPM has offered star climber Nairo Quintana to join the team for 2023, following the acquisition of Miguel Ángel López.

Like his compatriot Lopez, former Grand Tour winner Nairo Quintana has been looking for a team since parting ways with Arkea Samsic following his positive test for the banned substance tramadol at the 2023 Tour de France.

Since then, multiple rumors have linked Quintana to various teams, but none of the possibilities have gained serious traction.

Medellín's offer was made just weeks before the South American season opened at the Vuelta a San Juan, where the Colombian team will compete. Meanwhile, Medellín's latest standout, López, has already appeared in a video wearing a Medellín kit with the Rolling Stones song "Paint It Black" soundtrack in the background.

Quintana has repeatedly claimed to be forming a team, but has not revealed which team. He has also suggested that he would continue to compete in the world's biggest races, which require a World Tour or professional team, rather than a third division continental team like Medellín-EPM.

According to the sports newspaper MARCA (opens in new tab), this is not the first time Medellín has made an offer to Quintana; the team was about to begin negotiations with the veteran climber in November.

Quintana reportedly turned down the offer at that time, but the Colombian team used the Lopez contract to make it clear that the door was still open.

According to MARCA, in a message to Quintana, sporting director José Julián Velázquez said, "We have contacted Nairo Quintana, as we already did before. We are counting on you." We hope you will represent us and continue your excellent career."

Medellín is rumored to have offered Quintana the same contract terms as Lopez. If a World Tour team or a professional team makes Lopez an attractive offer, Quintana can leave the Continental team immediately, even mid-season, without financial repercussions.

Meanwhile, Lopez has already raced in Medellín-EPM, finishing fourth at the Circuito de Henesano in the Boyacá region. On Saturday, he will compete again in the Clásica de Villeta, also in Colombia, and the Vuelta a San Juan, starting on the 22nd, will be his first international race with Medellín-EPM.

Lopez also appeared on Instagram wearing Medellín-EPM gear. In the video, he is shown training to the backing track of the Rolling Stones' 1960s anthem of self-destruction and depression, Paint It Black. However, the musical connection here is probably due to the color of the team kit matching the title of the song.

In an Instagram message, Lopez wrote: "New colors, new opportunities: "New colors, new opportunities. Don't let anyone stop you. Thank you Team Medellín for opening the door for me."