Cycling: Team Movistar can't really be happy with the 2023 season. Unfortunately, leader Enric Mas was unable to achieve the desired results. Things should get better again next year. But do the transfers really promise improvement?
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Movistar looks back on an average year
Team Movistar is the oldest existing professional cycling team in the world. Founded in 1980 under the name Reynolds – Benotto, thanks to sponsors the name changed to Banesto, Caisse d’Epargne and finally to Movistar in 2011. Always there: team boss Eusebio Unzué. In the beginning, the Spaniard was active in various roles, but since 2008 he has had the reins completely in his own hands. He has experienced many good times - for example with Alejandro Valverde - but also some lows. The year 2023 was a rather average one with 18 victories and 36 further podium finishes. One Rubio won a stage each at the UAE Tour and the Giro d'Italia. Fernando Gaviria was able to win a mass sprint at the Tour de Romandie. Those were the only three victories at WorldTour level. With Ruben guerreiro on the Saudi Tour and Matteo Jorgenson Two tours were won in the Tour of Oman. Captain experienced a year to forget Enric Mas. The Spaniard didn't manage to get on the podium in a single tour. The Tour de France was over for him on the first day due to a fall. And at the Vuelta a Espana he didn't get past 6th place.
2024: Quintana and the youngsters should fix it
The Colombian Nairo Quintana returns to Team Movistar. With this news, the Spaniards not only surprised their own fans, but probably also the driver himself. After Quintana had to leave the team a few years ago, he is now returning to the team after a year without professional racing. Act of desperation or glimmer of hope? Next to him also come across Davide formolo and Davide Cimolai to the team. The two Italians are also over 30 years old, but while Formolo also has his strengths in the mountains, Cimolai is more of a sprint preparation type. It was also very surprising that he was signed Remi Cavagna. The Frenchman is considered a strong time trialist and feels at home on the flats. The future belongs to the other five newcomers. Above all Pelayo Sanchez could prove to be a real stroke of luck. The 23-year-old has already competed in the Vuelta a Espana twice and stood out as a strong breakaway in the high mountains. On Carlos Canal (22) this also applies. The 22-year-old's development is more towards an all-rounder. Movistar has to give it away Joaquin Rojas and Imanol Erviti especially two very experienced professionals. They are ending their long careers. Gorka Izagirre, Carlos Verona and Matteo Jorgenson change teams and are very painful losses. Also the two Germans Max Kanter and Yuri Hollman have found a new home.