Movistar Team demonstrates its forward-thinking strategy after the retirement of Annemiek van Vleuten by signing 17-year-old sensation, Cat Ferguson, hailing from North Yorkshire. Known for her exceptional performance in the world junior scene this year, Ferguson will start her journey with Movistar in August 2024, initially as a trainee, and then ascend to the WorldTour professional level for three subsequent years (2025-2027).
Currently a part of the Shibden Hope Tech Apex Team, Ferguson will join the Blues’ ranks as a stagiaire from August 1st, 2024. This move aligns with regulations that permit second-year juniors to gain experience in the professional sphere while still in the junior ranks. Her full commitment to the WorldTour team will commence on January 1st, 2025, continuing through December 2027.
Ferguson’s versatility as a cyclist is noteworthy. Apart from making her mark on the road, she’s an accomplished cyclocross (CX) specialist and has also achieved notable success on the track. Her debut junior season on the road was nothing short of spectacular. Her accolades for 2023 feature victories in the junior editions of Ronde van Vlaanderen, Trofeo Alfredo Binda, a stage in the Spanish Nations Cup race Bizkaikoloreak, another stage in the Tour du Gevaudan, and a triumph in the British National TT Championships. Furthermore, her commendable effort at the Glasgow Worlds secured her a silver medal.
Although Ferguson will stay loyal to her current team colours for CX and road races in the coming season, she will actively participate in the Movistar Team’s training camps. The Spanish team say they are fully geared to foster her development, emphasising her long-term evolution as a top-tier athlete.
Sharing her excitement, Cat Ferguson remarked, “Joining the Movistar Team is a dream realised. From our initial interaction, the team emanated a familial and nurturing atmosphere. Their dedication to nurturing my skills at the WorldTour level resonated deeply with me. I’m eager to assimilate knowledge from the world’s elite cyclists, and I genuinely believe that the Movistar Team will be instrumental in my transition to elite cycling. But for now, my eyes are set on finishing my junior CX and road seasons on a high note.”
