Cycling Market:
Movistar Team has officially announced the addition of
Claire Steels (Bourne, GBR; 1986) to its ranks. The talented British cyclist, who comes from the Israel - Premier Tech Roland team, joins the team for a three-season period, extending until the end of the 2026 campaign.
Claire Steels' arrival at Movistar Team is a testament to her impressive progression, which has taken her from the world of duathlon and running to the pinnacle of the WorldTour in a staggering span of just four seasons in UCI teams. Her first three seasons were spent in Spain, as an integral part of the Sopela Women's Team. During this time, in addition to achieving multiple victories in competitions in the Torneo Euskaldun, she accumulated a steadily growing international experience and demonstrated her authority in the peloton. Endowed with skills as a climber and time trialist, she has been able to impose herself with mastery in her spectacular performance in 2023.
The last season for Claire Steels, who resides most of the year in Mallorca, was a true display of success and perseverance. Among her most notable achievements were a victory in the women's race of the Volta a Catalunya, a third place in the international competition in Durango, the title of national road runner-up, a sixth place in the Tour de Suisse, a ninth place in the Trefeo Alfredo Binda and an eleventh place in the UAE Tour. She also proved her worth in the Grand Tours, achieving an outstanding top-20 in two of them: La Vuelta and the Tour de France.
Claire Steels shares her enthusiasm for this new stage in her sporting career: "I didn't expect to evolve in the way I have as an athlete in recent years. I've enjoyed every discipline I've been in, always trying to do my best, looking for motivation in life and in sport to be better every day. But to become a professional cyclist, and now to be part of one of the best teams in the WorldTour... I still have to pinch myself to be aware of this opportunity."
The British rider is honored to join the ranks of Movistar Team, a team she has long admired for its professionalism and fearless racing style. Steels is determined to take this opportunity to continue her growth in cycling and contribute to the team's success. In her own words, "I think I still have a lot to offer in this sport, and that my cycling journey has only just begun. I believe that, with the experience that the staff and riders have, I will be able to improve in all aspects."
Claire has clear goals: to seek consistency to excel in stage races and to become a valuable teammate in and out of competition. Her ambition is clear: "To improve in both areas to become a better rider and person."