Two signings + one extension

Telefónica-backed squad inks contracts with 2nd & 3rd-place overall finishes in 2019 U23 Giro -Einer Rubio and Juan Diego Alba (21)- and extends commitment with Paula Patiño (22) through end of 2021 after brilliant maiden WorldTour season.

The Movistar Team is making a strong gamble on the new generation of Colombian cycling. The Telefónica-sponsored squad announced Tuesday it has reached two-year agreements -contracts through the end of the 2021 season- with Einer Rubio (Chiquiza, Boyacá; 1998), coming from the Italian amateur squad Aran Cucine – Vejus, and Juan Diego Alba (Tuta, Boyacá; 1997), from Coldeportes Zenú, as it also extends for an identical, two-year period its commitment with current Blue rider Paula Patiño (La Ceja, Antioquia; 1997).

Rubio and Alba join the Blues after fantastic performances in the U23 Giro d’Italia held last June. Einer took runner-up overall -behind fellow countryman Camilo Ardila- and brilliantly won the Queen stage towards the Marmolada / Passo Fedaia, while Juan Diego finished 3rd in the GC with a solo victory in Aprica.

In turn, Patiño’s extension through 2021 is another boost of confidence for a rider of impressive skills for the hardest races of the calendar. Second best young rider in the 2019 Giro Rosa, she completed equally strong performances in top international races such as the Lotto Thüringen Ladies Tour -5th + 6th at two stages- and claimed various podium finishes in Spain (2nd in La Rioja and Eibar; 3rd in Noja and Estella), which underline her dazzling progression.

Cover picture (c): Velofocus