Eneicat–CMTeam has confirmed they will relinquish their UCI Continental licence for 2026 and continue as a national-level squad, describing the move as a deliberate reset designed to strengthen the team’s long-term foundations rather than a retreat from professional ambitions.
In an extensive official statement, the León-based organisation said the change is “a step back to gain momentum” and stressed that its professional structure, staff and resources will remain intact. The decision, they explained, is rooted in a desire to double down on youth development and build a sustainable identity built around formation and home-grown talent.
The team, which has competed at the UCI level since 2019, delivered 1 UCI victory in 2025 through Portuguese national champion Daniela Campos. Yet while the results have been steady, Eneicat’s management said the broader focus is now on shaping a system where young riders can grow, learn and transition confidently into the professional ranks.
A strategic reset rather than a withdrawal
In the statement, the team emphasised that stepping away from the Continental category is not an act of resignation, but one of conviction. Their aim is to invest more deeply in youth structures and create an environment in which emerging riders can take decisive early steps in their careers.
The team said this philosophy is central to building “a solid, sustainable project with its own identity”, one that ensures riders are not simply competing, but developing the skills and resilience needed for long-term success.
International calendar remains intact
Although the Continental licence will not be renewed, Eneicat–CMTeam confirmed that their racing calendar will continue to feature international events across Europe and beyond. The team intends to measure itself against strong fields and maintain visibility outside Spain, staying aligned with its tradition of racing in Portugal, Central America and South America.
They stressed that commitment and hard work do not understand labels, and that the competitive intensity of their programme will continue unchanged in 2026.
A project built on continuity and belief
Eneicat–CMTeam’s management made clear that every decision reflects a deep affection for the sport and a desire to build something lasting. They acknowledged that the path ahead is not always straightforward, but they expressed firm belief that the recalibrated structure will allow the team to grow with greater solidity and to provide meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
The statement closed with a message of gratitude to supporters, riders and partners – describing this moment not as an end point, but the start of a new chapter filled with energy, determination and renewed ambition.
The Eneicat–CMTeam project in context
Founded in 2019, Eneicat quickly established itself on the UCI ladder, later becoming a Continental team and achieving notable successes, including international victories from Aranza Villalón at the Vuelta a Formosa Femenina and multiple national titles across Europe and South America. The team has long served as a pathway for riders from Spain, Portugal and Latin America to access higher levels of racing, earning invitations to the Vuelta a España in recent seasons.
Their return to national-level registration does not change their intention to keep offering those opportunities. Instead, the move is framed as a chance to stabilise the structure, strengthen development systems and ensure the team’s identity – grounded in formation and opportunity – continues to guide its future.
Looking ahead
Eneicat–CMTeam will enter 2026 with the same colours, the same staff, and the same ambition to help young riders take their first major steps in the sport. The change of registration marks a shift in approach, but not in aspiration. For a team rooted in development, identity and continuity, the next phase is about growth – taking a step back to spring forward.
