It is official, the Movistar team has already confirmed the creation of a new cycling squad that will include around 10 professional female riders.
The new pro squad will be able to compete internationally on every cycling event. Of course, it won’t compete in any bike event in 2017. It will start being active from 2018 onwards.
The news was made public today during a press conference the Spanish team held in the headquarters of Telefonica which is the parent company of the team’s phone network.
“The main news is the creation of a women’s team. It will participate in the most important international competitions next year, 2018,” read the press release.
“The project is another initiative from the company to encourage integration and equality of opportunities between men and women. Offering equality in a traditionally masculine sport.”
The same as men’s squad
The new team will include around 10 female riders. It will have the same name, kit and the exact same sponsors like the men’s team.
According to the press release, the new team will have a predominantly Spanish focus. Its main focus is to contribute in developing the women’s bike racing in the country.
Currently, Spain is 15th in the UCI standings. The 23-year-old Giro Rosa stage winner Sheyla Gutierrez is the best rider on standings.
“It’s a medium-to-long term project that seeks to dynamize women’s cycling as a competitive sport. It will boost the number of license-holders, ensuring that Spanish female cyclists have the best sporting means to compete in the international peloton,” the press release read.
José Luis López Cerrón, President of the federation, said: “This project will revitalize and dynamize the landscape of women’s cycling as a whole in Spain, offering better visibility both to races and athletes, and creating a point of interest to potential sponsors.”