Movistar Team announces the signing of Italian rider Francesca Barale (2003, Domodossola), who will wear the colors of the Telefónica-backed squad from 2026 until the 2028 season.

At just 22 years old, Barale has established herself as one of the most promising young talents in the international peloton after four seasons as a professional. She now embarks on a new chapter with the Navarre-based outfit, eager to continue growing and take the next step in her sporting career.

In her first statements, Barale expressed her excitement about this new challenge:

“I’m really excited to join Movistar Team as I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter. After my first four years as a pro, where I improved and learned a lot, I think now is the moment when I want to take the next step in my career, and I believe this is the right place to do it. From the very first conversation I had a good feeling about the team’s goals and projects, and we share a bit of that same Mediterranean vibe, which I also like.”

The Italian also highlighted the strength of the team and her motivation to learn alongside top leaders:

“I’m very happy to join a strong team with leaders such as Marlen and Liane to help them achieve big goals. At the same time, I’m still trying to figure out what kind of rider I’m going to develop into, so I hope the team will help me with that over the next three years.”

With a smile, Barale concluded her first words as a future member of the Blue squad on a lighthearted note:

“I can’t wait to start working with everyone, but first I’ll have to take some Spanish lessons 😅.”

With this signing, Movistar Team strengthens its long-term vision by bringing in a young, versatile rider with great potential, who will add freshness and ambition to the women’s roster in the coming years.