Nairo Quintana believes Team Ineos can fulfill the ambitions of Egan Bernal, Chris Froome, and Geraint Thomas at the 2020 Tour de France, but the success shown before the COVID-19 craze in the debut of new team Arkea Samsic I am confident that we can replicate the form.

The Colombian joins the French team this season as part of Movistar's trio of leaders after two failed attempts at the Tour de France.

Quintana said in an interview with Marca (open in new tab) that his compatriot Bernal is the favorite to win the Tour this September and that he does not expect Froome to leave Ineos before the Grande Palais in Nice on August 29.

"No, I think the three leaders will continue to be in the Tour," Quintana said.

"I'm sure they have the ability to manage everything well, and with a team like theirs, there will be no rivalry. Ultimately, they will work everything out during the race."

Quintana enjoyed a brilliant start to 2020 until the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak forced a season interruption in March. Early season victories in Mont Ventoux, Col d'Eze, and La Colmiane made him a strong contender for the Tour, although he had struggled in the overall class since his podium finish in 2016.

"There is always motivation. I've had a good start to the season this year and I want to get back on the podium. I have high hopes in this regard," said Quintana, who dismissed the notion that Pro Continental's Arkea Samsic would not be strong enough to compete with teams like Ineos, Jumbo Visma, and Astana in September.

Quintana shares the leadership of Arkea Samsic with French national champion climber Warren Barguil.

"It is possible that we don't have enough strong climbers in the mountains. But, well, little by little. It's true that every team has very versatile athletes."

The 30-year-old admitted that he plans to resume his season at the Tour de l'Ain in August and then run the Criterium du Dauphiné in preparation for the Tour.

Quintana is currently in Colombia and will return to Europe in mid-July. International passenger flights to and from Colombia are suspended until August 31, but the Colombian Cycling Federation is working on plans to secure special charter flights for the professional athlete to return to Europe during the summer.

Quintana cited fellow countryman and defending Tour de France champion Bernal as a strong contender for this year's race.

"In my opinion, Egan is the frontrunner in the Tour, along with Ineos," Quintana said.

"Then maybe (Vincenzo) Nibali in the Giro and (Alejandro) Valverde in the Vuelta. As for the World Championships, it's very complicated to say now because not all the races are done yet."