Movistar favours Mas and Uijtdebroeks over Quintana's dream farewell at the Vuelta a España

Movistar has announced its roster for the Vuelta a España. The Spanish team hopes to make a strong showing with these well-known, expected names, especially in the high mountains. However, this means there is no spot for Nairo Quintana on the roster. The Colombian is retiring this year, but his team is not giving him the chance of a popular farewell at the Vuelta.

As expected, Enric Mas is Movistar’s team leader. The 31-year-old Spaniard has competed in the Vuelta a España seven times, finishing on the overall podium in four of those editions. He also won a stage in 2018. However, his last podium finish was two years ago, and last year’s Tour de France (DNF) and this year’s Giro d’Italia (32nd) did not go smoothly.

That’s why Movistar is aiming for a dual leadership. Cian Uijtdebroeks was signed from Visma | Lease a Bike and immediately named team leader for the Tour, but the Belgian fell ill and had to withdraw from the race early on. He’ll get another chance in Spain, where he already finished an impressive eighth in his Grand Tour debut in 2023. He hopes to improve on that result this year.

The Spanish team will also bring Orluis Aular along as a sprinter. There aren’t many sprint opportunities, but the Venezuelan can do more than just finish strong—he can also handle the hills. He has come close to stage wins in the Vuelta a España many times in the past and will be hoping to finally pull it off this year. Someone who certainly knows what it’s like to win the Vuelta is Pablo Castrillo.

The Spanish climber won two stages in spectacular fashion for Equipo Kern Pharma in 2024. He hasn’t yet managed to top those highlights, but he’ll be back this year. Raúl García Pierna and Castrillo formed a strong attacking duo in this year’s Tour de France: the 25-year-old Spaniard will be competing in the Vuelta alongside his compatriot.

Iván Romeo will make his debut in the Vuelta a España. The 23-year-old Spaniard will be looking to make a strong showing in the time trials, but he can also aim for stage wins on rolling terrain and in the high mountains. The team is rounded out by Carlos Canal and Jorge Arcas. This means that Quintana is the notable absentee.

The 36-year-old Colombian announced earlier this season that he would be retiring from cycling; he went on to win a stage and the overall classification at the Vuelta a Asturias and finished 18th in the Tour of Burgos. However, he has not been included in the roster for the race he won in 2016.