OFFICIAL: Pablo Castrillo, La Vuelta breakthrough, signs with Movistar - "They are the benchmark of Spanish cycling"

Pablo Castrillo is one of the rising stars of Spanish cycling and at the Vuelta a España he won not one, but two stages within a matter of days, both from the day's breakaway and beating top climbers. The victor of the brutal Cuitu Negru climb has impressed beyond belief and a deal with INEOS Grenadiers was put on the sidelines, as Movistar went all-in to sign the Equipo Kern Pharma rider.

"These last few weeks have been a big leap for me as a person and an important boost for my sporting career, marked by that contract with a WorldTour team like Movistar Team. They are the benchmark of Spanish cycling and it is always a special illusion to ride for this team," Castrillo said in a press release. This transfer was expected for weeks and very closely followed by the Spanish media, who for the past two weeks has virtually confirmed it.

Now that Castrillo's season is over, after a strong Cro Race, the 23-year old makes the move. "There are a few weeks to come to assimilate what was achieved in La Vuelta and in this 2024 season, which I consider has been very consistent on my part. Those two victories; also finishing at the home of my new team, with that impressive Telefónica headquarters... It has all been very intense and I will not forget it."

"The people who are close to me and have told me what the team is like have given me a lot of confidence for this signing. I share training sessions with Jorge (Arcas) and he has explained to me what the team is like inside, how they were going to look after me and the things that were being done well. My brother Jaime also told me how well he had been." With the advice he got, the desire for Movistar to have him, and likely the extra freedom he'll have in comparison to a possible move to INEOS, the agreement naturally came along.

"I join the team with a lot of confidence and eager to get started. It's a big leap and I want to contribute as much as possible, to do my bit so that the team continues to grow and to do so with it. I'm looking forward to 2025 and being able to wear that jersey," he concluded.