Movistar snatches Ecuadorian superstar from UAE Team Emirates: 'Here I can continue to grow'

Ramírez had been riding for the UAE development team for two years and had shown great promise there. In 2025, he finished sixth in the Tour de l'Avenir and tenth at the U23 World Championships, but this year he took it up a notch.

He finished second in the Giro Next Gen and the Giro della Valle d’Aosta, and fourth in the Tour de l’Avenir. And in each race, he was one of the best climbers.

He would have fit right in at UAE Team Emirates-XRG, but he’s chosen Movistar instead.

“I’m incredibly happy and excited to start my World Tour career with Movistar,” he says on his new team’s website. “It’s a team with a rich cycling history, and I think it’s a perfect fit for me. I feel that here I can continue to grow, develop as a rider, and gain experience.”

The Spanish team has a lot of confidence in Ramírez, who is signing a three-year contract. There, he’ll be joining his compatriot Jefferson Alveiro Cepeda.

“I’m very motivated for next year, and I want to do my best, continue to improve every day, and make the most of this opportunity to achieve my goals.”

Team manager Eusebio Unzué knows he has a real gem in the Ecuadorian climber. “Mateo is a very talented rider with a lot of potential. Our goal is to support him every step of the way as he develops, so that he can reach his full potential in the coming years. We’re very happy to have him on board and look forward to working together. Welcome, Mateo!”