Nairo Quintana's overall victory in the Tour de la Provence on the chilly boulevards of Aix-en-Provence has made Arkea Samsic a force to be reckoned with this season.

The rejuvenated Colombian seems to have suddenly found a new passion for France, just as the French have for him. He's one of cycling's greats," insists team manager Emmanuel Hubert. 'He's still about 15% short of top form. He still has a long way to go."

Quintana's overall win was based on an unexpectedly solid performance by his new team, Arkea Samsic, which dominated key tactical moments during Saturday's crucial stage to the Chalet Reynard ski resort in Mont Ventoux.

In a team cohesion that surprised his rivals, Quintana could rely not only on co-leaders Nasser Bouhani and Warren Barguil, but also on fellow Colombian winner Ancona and veteran Maxime Bouet.

"This is my fourth season with the team, and frankly, I've never run so well," said Bouet, who himself spent much of the 2019 season battling injuries.

"There were no mistakes, perfect positioning, great solidarity," Bouet said of the team's performance." Pretty impressive and very promising."

"Winning the overall is what everyone wants after so much work," Quintana said.

"Hopefully it will be the start of a great era for Arkea Samsic."

Quintana picked up his first and second wins of 2020 last week, bringing Alcare Samsic's win total for the season to four; as February passes the halfway point, the team is already one away from the overall 2019 total.

The Colombian's campaign continues next week with the Tour du Var et des Alpes Martimes, which leads into the Paris-Nice, Volta a Catalunya, and Ardennes Classics.