“It would be a huge dream”: Juanpe Lopez, a luxury domestique for Enric Mas at the next Giro d’Italia?

Juan Pedro Lopez is shaping up as one of Movistar Team’s most notable signings ahead of the 2026 season. Known for his climbing ability, his experience will allow him both to support leaders in Grand Tours and to take on a leading role in smaller stage races and even demanding classics. He is being mentioned as a potential helper for Enric Mas at the next Giro d’Italia.

After several years at Lidl-Trek, where he consolidated his growth both as a cyclist and as a person, Lopez is approaching a new challenge in his career with enthusiasm. This change of scenery represents a renewed stimulus for him, with the opportunity to embrace new ambitions and responsibilities within a Spanish team ready to make use of his talent across different parts of the calendar. In an interview with Marca, he shared his first impressions as a Movistar rider.

“Inside, I’m bringing new things: new dreams, new ambitions, and a lot of desire to enjoy a year that is going to be very beautiful.”

“Many times you need something new, a different stimulus. And I think I’ve found that here.”

“Of course they’ve tried to sign me many times.”

“We’ll try to prepare something with the Giro in mind so that we’re on the start line, but there’s still a long way to go and we have to take it step by step. I think I’ve only really enjoyed one of the four I’ve ridden.”

“I think it’s a race that suits him much better. If I can be there with him and lend him a hand, it would be a huge dream.”

“When he’s there, we all know who first place is for. Eighty or ninety percent of the peloton knows it. It’s a new dream for everyone.”

Juanpe Lopez has left Lidl Trek for Movistar Team.

Throughout his career, Juanpe Lopez has achieved very solid results that reflect his talent as a climber and his consistency in stage races. One of his most important milestones was wearing the pink jersey at the Giro d’Italia for ten days in 2022, demonstrating his ability to perform at the very highest level.

Among his main results are overall victory and a stage win at the Tour of the Alps 2024, second place on a stage of the Giro d’Italia 2022, a stage win at the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d’Aosta Mont Blanc 2019, seventh overall at the Tour de Romandie 2025, and tenth overall at the Giro d’Italia 2022. He has also stood out with 13th overall at the Vuelta a Espana 2021, fourth and second places on stages of the Tour of Antalya 2019, sixth overall at the Tour of Hungary 2019, 11th overall at Itzulia Basque Country 2022, and fifth on a stage of the Tour of Romandie 2025.