Movistar Team have confirmed the signing of Francesca Barale, who will join the squad from 2026 on a contract that runs until 2028. At just 22 years old, the Italian is already regarded as one of the most promising riders of her generation, having completed four full seasons in the WorldTour.
Barale has steadily built her reputation as a versatile rider capable of competing across a range of terrains. Strong results such as 4th at Tre Valli Varesine in 2023, 6th at the Cadel Evans Road Race in 2024, and 4th on a stage of the Tour Down Under that same year underline her consistency. She also finished 8th in the U23 European Time Trial Championships back in 2022, showing her ability against the clock. While a first professional victory has yet to arrive, her progression is clear and she now takes the next step in her career with the Spanish team.
In her first words after the move was announced, Barale spoke of her excitement to begin a new chapter:
“I’m really excited to join Movistar Team, as I’m eager to start a new chapter. After my first four years as a professional, where I improved and learned a lot, I feel now is the moment to take the next step in my career, and I think 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 Mediterranean vibe, which I like too.”
She also highlighted the strength of the team and the chance to learn alongside established leaders:
“I’m very happy to join a strong team with leaders like Marlen and Liane, to help them achieve great results. At the same time, I’m still trying to discover what kind of rider I’ll become, so I hope the team can help me do that in the next three years.”
Barale added a lighter note to her first comments as a future Movistar rider:
“I’m really looking forward to working with everyone, but first I’ll need to take a few Spanish lessons 😅.”
Her move continues a career trajectory that began with Team DSM in 2022, where she spent three seasons before racing in 2025 with Team Picnic PostNL. The switch to Movistar marks her biggest opportunity yet, offering both leadership chances and the chance to grow within a team that has steadily established itself as one of the most consistent forces in the women’s peloton.
For Movistar, it is another long-term investment in youth, adding a rider who brings freshness, ambition, and untapped potential. For Barale, it is the platform to discover the rider she can become, with the support of a strong and ambitious squad around her.
