Final nail in the coffin? Arkéa–B&B Hotels, fearing for its future, sees key rider leave for Movistar

Cycling
Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 13:00
raul-garcia-pierna
Movistar has strengthened its squad with a major Spanish talent. Raúl García Pierna has signed a three-year contract with the team. After two loyal years, he will leave Arkéa–B&B Hotels. It marks the team’s fourth departure, while not a single new signing has come in. And none are likely, given the bleak situation the French squad is facing.

Back in June, it was announced that not only Arkéa but also B&B Hotels would withdraw as sponsors. That meant the team had to urgently search for replacements, but that hunt appears to have hit a dead end. So far, no new backer has been found, and time is running out. “We have one bullet left,” said manager Emmanuel Hubert: one last chance, otherwise the French team is finished.
Quite a few riders have chosen not to wait around in uncertainty: they cut their losses and left Arkéa–B&B Hotels. Jenthe Biermans moved to Cofidis, Norwegian climber Martin Tjøtta returned home to Uno-X Mobility, and classics specialist Luca Mozzato, runner-up at last year’s Tour of Flanders, signed with Tudor. That was the start of the exodus, and with García Pierna’s departure, it has gained a new dimension.

The 24-year-old Spaniard came over from Equipo Kern Pharma after 2023 and was primarily known as an excellent time trialist. But this year he also showed himself in the high mountains: he finished 26th in the Tour de France and sat 14th overall after nine days at the Vuelta a España, with two top-five stage finishes. However, he was forced to abandon that race after a crash. A week later, he leaves his team altogether.
Continue reading below the photo!

García Pierna arrives in a familiar environment

At Movistar, the all-rounder hopes to take the next step. “Signing with Movistar Team is truly fantastic,” he said on his new team’s website. “It’s Spain’s only WorldTour team, with a long history and many great riders who have raced here, so I’m thrilled.” The Madrid native has signed a three-year deal with Movistar.
He sees the transfer as a clear step up. “I’m drawn to the whole setup of the team, the staff is excellent. And of course the riders too, with many guys around my age that I know well. That’s another big plus. That’s why I’m so eager to compete in the best races in the world with Movistar.”

Latest Cycling News

Popular Cycling News

Latest Comments

Loading