The Cuban, one of the most versatile cyclists in the WorldTour, will remain connected with the Movistar team for at least 3 more years. That will bring her total season with the Spanish outfit up to 5 years by the end of her new contract. The Cuban will race in Movistar colours until the end of 2026.
Movistar Team is cementing its roster for the upcoming seasons, helped by the renewal of one of the most complete riders in its women’s team, Arlenis Sierra. The Cuban is known as a sprinter, a time-trialist and very strong in the rolling stages. Nicknamed the ‘Panther’, Sierra has racked up seven wins in her two ‘seasons fo Movistar so far. In 2022 they were the Pan-American Road title, a WorldTour stage in the Tour de Romandie, the overall and two stages of the Vuelta a Andalucía and then this season, the road and time trial titles from the Central American and Caribbean Games.
There are now 14 confirmed riders at Movistar for the upcoming 2024 season. The current announced 2024 squad also includes: Aude Biannic, Jelena Erić, Sarah Gigante, Sheyla Gutiérrez, Liane Lippert, Floortje Mackaij, Sara Martín, Mareille Meijering, Emma Norsgaard, Paula Patiño, Laura Ruiz, Lucía Ruiz, Claire Steels.
“It’s a ‘complicated’ decision, as three years is a long period and, in my case, I don’t think I have many more seasons in cycling left. But the environment here has been the main reason to renew for this duration. I like to be where I feel personally comfortable, above all else, and then also, on the bike, try to adapt and give my utmost. When you enter a new ‘home’, with new ‘family’, you need time to understand the people, but everything worked well here from the start, and it’s one of the best things I’ve experienced. Everywhere you’ll have minor problems, but with the riders here, I feel like part of a family, and sometimes you share even more than with your own.
Arlenis Sierra
I don’t underestimate the victories and results I had achieved in previous seasons, but in the last two years, at the WorldTour level – the same in 2023, not so much in terms of wins but in terms of consistency -, I’ve always been in a good position. I also cherish having raced these two years with Annemiek van Vleuten. She’s a cyclist worth admiring, a role model as an athlete, someone who has achieved what not many people in any discipline can. Who knows if we’ll meet again someday; it would be a pleasure!”
