INEOS announce eighth signing of transfer window - Versatile rider joins British team after shock Movistar exit by mutual agreement
Cycling
Netcompany INEOS have confirmed the signing of Javier Romo after the rider's shock departure from Movistar. The Spanish rider joins the British team on a two-year deal as the eighth arrival of the transfer window in a period of change for the team.
It comes after the announcement that Romo and Movistar had mutually agreed to terminate his contract on Sunday. The decision was reached by mutual agreement, the team said through its official channels. The Spanish squad and the rider will therefore part ways rather than continue a contract that will not carry into next season.
The Spanish rider had been heavily linked with joining INEOS following the news of his Movistar departure. The versatile 27-year-old arrives with one WorldTour win, at the 2025 Tour Down Under - where he finished second overall.
“I’m really excited to be joining Netcompany INEOS and starting this new chapter in my career. I’m grateful for the trust the team has placed in me, and I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity," Romo said.
Romo ready to get going at INEOS
“I’m ready to work hard, give everything I have and play my part in helping the team achieve its goals. I can’t wait to get started.”
Geraint Thomas hinted that Romo has caught the team's eye in recent seasons. Noting his all-round experience, the INEOS Director of Racing thinks he can add plenty of options to the team.
“Javier is a really strong rider who’s impressed us ever since he came onto the scene. He’s proven himself at WorldTour level and developed into an experienced all-rounder who can make a real difference across a range of races," Thomas said.
“He brings a lot of quality to the group, gives us more options across the calendar and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”
INEOS transfer market
His arrival adds to INEOS' busy week in the transfer market that has seen them sign Benjamin Noval, Harold Tejada, Markel Beloki, Clement Champoussin, James Shaw, Joe Blackmore and Riley Sheehan.
In a brief statement, Movistar Team confirmed the rider’s departure and thanked him for his work during his time with the squad, in which he rode four Grand Tours.
“The whole team would like to thank him for his work and dedication over these three years and wish him every success in the future,” the team said, accompanying the announcement with a farewell message to Romo. The agreement brings to a close three seasons in which Romo was part of Movistar’s sporting project.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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