15/09/2024

Movistar and INEOS in an all-out battle to sign the new star of Spanish cycling

Is INEOS Grenadiers close to losing another very bright talent after months of being in the 'pole-position' to sign him? Pablo Castrillo was already a talented rider earlier in the year but his breakthrough Vuelta a España, where he won two stages, sees other teams including Movistar to go all-out in signing the Equipo Kern Pharma rider.

He is undoubtedly the man of the cycling market at the moment and not only the Spanish press is writing about the winner in Manzaneda and Cuitu Negru, but also the international press, particularly the British press, which has been leaking that the most advanced negotiations are with INEOS.

Daniel Benson made it clear that the Jaca rider will sign a 3-year contract and that, as of today, nothing can be taken for granted. We now have more information from the always well-informed Nacho Labarga in Marca, who details what Movistar is offering him that INEOS could not. Logically, it is not money: the Spanish team does not even have half the budget of INEOS, although Labarga argues that it would still be a meaningful salary for the 23-year old.

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A sailboat called freedom

Movistar would be offering him freedom. That is to say, he would not have a position as Enric Mas's domestique in the Grand Tours: He could go for the stages he wanted as he has done so successfully in this Vuelta 2024. From inside Movistar there is optimism that Castrillo will join - a much needed boost if it is to happen, taking into consideration the departures of Spanish champion Alex Aranburu and Oier Lazkano.

Not only these two teams are in the mix but also Astana Qazaqstan Team who have had a budget increase due to the entry of a new Chinese sponsor and are trying to make meaningful signings ahead of a crucial 2025 season - however the Kazakh team likely falls behind the other two offers at the moment.

Castrillo is not the only Kern Pharma rider who is being heavily discussed with the transfer market either, 26-year old Urko Berrade won stage 18 but then impressed even more by keeping up with the Top GC riders on the queen stage up to Picon Blanco exactly one week ago today. INEOS is also said to be in the pole position for Berrade.