Alpecin-Premier Tech linked with experienced Spanish helper to strengthen Van der Poel’s Classics core

The usually well-informed Spanish newspaper MARCA, published a transfer update on Saturday concerning the major Spanish team Movistar. Eusebio Unzué’s squad could still bring in several riders, but at the same time, the team is also already working on a more international future. So what might be on the cards over the coming months?

Italian riders Davide Formolo and Lorenzo Milesi are reportedly not expected to ride for Movistar in 2027, with the latter being linked to Soudal Quick-Step. More striking, however, is the possible departure of Iván García Cortina, who has been one of the fixtures in the team in recent years. The former Classics talent has been riding for Movistar since 2021.

According to MARCA, García Cortina could end up at several teams, but the Spanish outlet writes that Alpecin-Premier Tech is currently the leading candidate. The Belgian team, where Kaden Groves is among the riders out of contract, would in that scenario be adding an experienced rider to the Classics core around Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen.

For sponsor Alpecin, which has interests in Spain and has already brought Alberto Contador on board as a partner, having a Spanish rider in the team would also be an appealing addition. The García Cortina transfer has, logically, not yet been confirmed, something MARCA also explicitly points out.

Movistar, for its part, reportedly sounded out Igor Arrieta and Juan Sebastián Molano of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, but both riders have made other choices. Arrieta is strongly linked with Lidl-Trek, where his friend Juan Ayuso already rides. Molano, meanwhile, is heading to Lotto-Intermarché as a sprinter.

Juan Cobo of Caja Rural-Seguros RGA is also said to be on the radar, while the team is reportedly following top talent Héctor Álvarez of Lidl-Trek as well. Last year, the Spanish squad signed Cian Uijtdebroeks, among others. The Belgian is set to become Movistar’s leader at the upcoming Tour de France.

Author: David Bavin-Hobbs - [email protected]