Quintana and teammate Alejandro Valverde present the biggest challenge to Froome's bid for a second Tour win, with Quintana second in the overall classification, 3m10 behind the Team Sky rider. Valverde lies in fourth behind BMC's Tejay Van Garderen.
The two Movistar riders have been the most active competitors to Froome in the second week, thanks to the ability to repeatedly attack and work over Froome - ideally in a situation where the Sky rider is isolated. However, it remains unclear whether Valverde would be willing to sacrifice his overall chances for Quintana or vice versa
“The mountains are coming, and for sure what comes next will be spectacular,” said Quintana during the rest day. “They’re beautiful stages that are coming, and we hope to gain back the time we’ve lost. “I don’t know if we’ll overtake Froome, but we’ll try.
Quintana, who currently holds the best young rider jersey, highlighted Saturday's penultimate stage to Alpe d'Huez as a critical point, saying that he loves the climb.
"I raced and trained on its slopes and that climb is something really special for me.”
Valverde promised that the team would give its all to take the yellow jersey - but stopped short of saying he would put everything on the line for Quintana.
"Finishing in second and third would be phenomenal, but all of my team-mates and myself will give all that's left inside us for the win," said Valverde.
"For me, it's evident that Nairo remains incredibly strong and ready to win. In every race I shared with him from the start of the season, I always saw him doing well, but for this third week in the Tour, he's got special motivation, a strong will to do great things and good physical shape to try and gain back that lost time.
"Wherever it's possible, we'll try to attack."
