Will be a member of the Telefónica-backed squad for at least eight years

Spaniard inks new three-year contract with Blues; has become irreplaceable with her excellent teamwork skills, good results, all-around commitment.

The Movistar Team will continue to enjoy the talents and hard work of Sheyla Gutiérrez (Varea, ESP; 1994) within its ranks in the future. The allrounder from La Rioja has signed a new contract for the next three seasons (2024-26) with the squad managed by Sebastián Unzué, thus becoming a member of the Blues for at least eight years.

A crucial asset to the fantastic load of success obtained in 2023 at both the Giro Donne and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift -the Spaniard completing her second consecutive ‘Grande Boucle’-, the current season marks a welcomed turn back to good health for the ‘Lioness’, after major troubles struck her repeteadly in the past.

Winner in 2022 of two stages in the Tour de l’Ardèche, as well as 2nd at this year’s GP Ciudad de Eibar and 3rd -less than 100 metres away from glory- at a stage of the Vuelta a Burgos, she’s shone even more at tasks away from individual success. Her commitment and attitude, both in and out of racing, have seen her turn into a fundamental piece for the balance that makes the Movistar Team one of the best squads in the WorldTour.

REACTION / Sheyla Gutiérrez:

“I’ve completed my growth as a rider in this year. They’ve taken care of me, they’ve supported me, they’ve believed in me even more than I did in myself. They offered me to stay here for three more years, and I couldn’t think of going elsewhere. When bad things happened to me, they never went away from my side. This is where I have to be. I will continue to give it my all to bring the Movistar brand to the place it deserves.

“Already since the late months of 2022 I was focused on doing things well in the winter, so as to be able to cover a full season in stable condition and health. And my legs have always felt really strong since December last year, with no setbacks. I think I’ve still got loads more to give, and if I’m able to never lose my fighting spirit, I hope I can bring some more victories to the team.

“Over these years, when I’ve been able to enjoy good health, I’ve developed some important roles for the squad as a domestique. I’ve always felt privileged to ride alongside great leaders, and it’s been the highest honour to support Annemiek van Vleuten. She’s one of the greats of the sport, I’ve known her for so many years – I never thought I’d be able to share teams with her, and having her counting on me for the biggest races has been a true gift to me.”