"A lot of people criticised me just for signing so early" - Cat Ferguson doesn't make much of signing professional contract at the age of 17

British talent Cat Ferguson had quite the 2023 season. From winning her first Nations Cup on her debut at Trofeo Binda Juniors and following it up with victory at the Tour of Flanders to finishing second at the World Championships in Glasgow and closing out the road season as the top-ranked junior rider, Ferguson's future shines bright.

"I went into the road season with some expectations just because last year I went to the European Youth Olympics in Slovakia and won both the road race and time trial. So I sort of hoped for some decent results," Fergusson confides to Cyclingnews that she had little expectations of her first junior season.

"I'd spoken to a couple of teams before and I just felt different speaking to them, Sebastián, the director. They were just so accommodating to my personal needs and were so friendly. I’m so excited to meet the rest of the team. I really like their ethos and I'm very excited about such an amazing opportunity," she explains her decision to sign with Movistar.

"I think having the backing of my agent reassured me that it was the right decision. A lot of people criticised me just for signing so early. I’ve not just signed it as a junior but as a first-year Junior so I've had a bit of negative criticism, but ultimately for me, it felt right and I can't see myself in any other team for the near future."