Imanol Erviti's banishment in 2023: Out of Movistar Team's squad for the 3 grand tours for the first time in 16 years

Movistar Team has released the list of eight riders who will take on the challenge of the Vuelta a España and there is one absence that is strange because of his omnipresence in previous years: that of general captain Imanol Erviti.

The Navarrese, a cyclist with enormous experience in the world of three-week races, has been a constant presence in the Grand Tours since his debut with Movistar in 2006. His record speaks for itself: 14 participations in the Vuelta a España, 13 in the Tour de France and one in the Giro d'Italia. However, this 2023 has marked an unusual turn in his career.

For the first time since his arrival at Movistar, Imanol Erviti has not taken part in any of the three Grand Tours. It is also noteworthy that on eleven occasions, Erviti has faced the double challenge of the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season.

The fact that Erviti is not part of the 2023 Vuelta a España lineup is particularly surprising, as the cyclist has been a stalwart in the Spanish squad for more than a decade. His experience and ability to work as part of a team have made him a valuable support for the team leaders on different stages and terrains.

Also noteworthy is the fact that on eleven occasions, Erviti has faced the double challenge of the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season. This feat is testimony to his tenacity and endurance, qualities that have made him a reference for his teammates and a respected competitor in the international peloton.

This year Erviti started the season early in southern lands competing in the Schwalbe Classic and the Santos Tour Down Under. He then moved on to the Middle East to compete in the Muscat Classic and the Tour of Oman. He then rode the Omloop and Kuurne before taking part in Paris-Nice and Boucles de la Mayenne. Before the Tour he raced the CIC Mont Ventoux, the Route d'Occitania and the Nationals and then the Tour of Poland and the Tour of Limousin. Will we see him in 2024 on the Movistar Team coaching staff? It looks like it...