OFFICIAL: Movistar swoop for rising Spanish talent who grew up idolising Alejandro Valverde
CyclingThursday, 24 September 2026 at 11:00
Movistar Team have continued to shape their future by signing one of Spain's most promising young riders, with Hugo de la Calle joining the team from 2027.
The Asturian, born on July 12, 2004, has signed a three-year contract running until the end of 2029 after two seasons with Burgos Burpellet BH. De la Calle has steadily developed during his time with Burgos, showing promise in both stage races and one-day events.
He took a significant step forward in 2025, finishing fourth overall at the Vuelta a Asturias before adding ninth at the Trofeo Tessile & Moda and tenth at the Coppa Agostoni.
The same season also brought his Grand Tour debut. At just 21 years old, De la Calle lined up at the Vuelta a España for the first time, gaining his first experience of three-week racing at the highest level.
His progression has continued in 2026. Among his strongest results are second place on a stage of the GP Beiras e Serra da Estrela and two top-six finishes at the demanding Tour of Slovenia, alongside further strong performances in one-day racing.
De la Calle has signed for Movistar on a three-year deal
Hugo de la Calle leaves Burgos for Movistar
For De la Calle, the move to Movistar fulfils an ambition stretching back to his childhood. “I’m incredibly grateful both to the team for the confidence they have placed in me and to everyone around me who has helped me grow and improve so I could achieve the dreams I had as a five-year-old starting out on a bike,” said the Spaniard.
The move also carries extra significance because of his long connection to the team and one of its most iconic riders. “I’m hugely excited and feel incredibly privileged to be able to wear the colours of the team I’ve watched on television all my life, where my idol Valverde raced,” he added. “It’s more than a dream. I can’t wait for January 1 to put on the colours and repay the confidence the team has shown in me.”
De la Calle will now begin the next stage of his career with one of Spanish cycling's biggest teams and has three seasons secured to continue his development at WorldTour level.
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Sebastián Unzué backs De la Calle's potential
Movistar general manager Sebastián Unzué highlighted the young Spaniard's progression over recent seasons and the team's belief in what he can become.
“We’re very happy to announce Hugo’s arrival at our team,” said Unzué. “He is a young rider who has continued to improve season after season. Despite his age, we’re convinced he can make a very important contribution over the coming years. Welcome to your new home, Hugo.”
De la Calle's arrival continues Movistar's push to build around younger Spanish talent, with the 22-year-old now set to step up to the WorldTour from the beginning of the 2027 season.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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