Friday 22 July 2016 18:40, UK
Nairo Quintana believes allergies could be the reason for his poor performances at the Tour de France.
The Movistar rider had been the pre-race second favourite for victory but has performed far below his best and sits 4min 27sec adrift of race leader Chris Froome in third overall with two stages remaining.
Quintana, who was runner-up in 2013 and 2015, said: "The sensations are still not good. Something is wrong. This level of performance is not normal for me.
"It's not fatigue that I'm feeling, but still, the body isn't responding. It could be some sort of allergy I've got at the moment because my legs aren't getting enough oxygen.
"It could be some sort of allergen in the area that's been affecting me these last few days. I hope with the rain that is coming in these next days I can keep it at bay."
Quintana will look to bounce back from his Tour struggles at next month's Vuelta a Espana, after race organisers confirmed the Colombian would be taking part.
The Vuelta takes place from August 20 to September 11.
