Paula Ostiz, the rising star of Spanish cycling, is poised to join the Movistar Team in August 2025 after signing a contract that will see her remain with the team until 2028. Currently part of the Cafés Baqué project, the young rider from Pamplona has made waves on the international stage, particularly after her recent win at the European Time Trial Championship in Limburg, Belgium.
At just 17 years old, Ostiz has already built an impressive 2024 season, including victory in the overall classification of the Watersley Challenge, one of the most prestigious stage races on the junior calendar. She also secured the Spanish national titles in both the time trial and road race in Avilés earlier this year.
Speaking about her move to Movistar, Ostiz expressed excitement for the future. “The experience with the team in the concentration in Jávea was very good; they treated me well, and I was able to see how the team worked from the inside. I really liked the attitude of my teammates,” she explained. “I’ve stayed in touch with Sebastián [Unzué] throughout the year, and everything has been made easy for me, which I appreciate. As it’s a team close to home, I feel more supported.”
Ostiz’s transition to the elite ranks was inevitable, given her form and results this season. Reflecting on her performance at the European Championships, she said, “I believe I’ve reached my best form, as I was able to show in the time trial. Since I was little, I’ve always dreamed of fighting for that rainbow jersey, and I’ve told my family that one day we can go for it. Let’s see if we can achieve it, or at least bring home a medal like the gold in Belgium, which I’m so proud of.”
Sebastián Unzué, manager of the Movistar Team, is equally enthusiastic about the young talent’s future. “We’re very happy to officially announce Paula’s arrival. We’ve known her since she was very young due to her proximity, and even as a junior, she has been somewhat integrated into our structure—joining us for training camps, using our equipment,” he said. “She knows the team and her future teammates, which will make her transition smoother. We believe she is one of the most talented riders of her generation, as her results, especially the gold at the European Time Trial Championship, have shown. We’re confident she’ll continue to grow with us.”
Ostiz is set to join Movistar in 2025 as a ‘stagiaire’, before becoming a full member of their WorldTour squad in 2026. With her ambitions firmly set on further success, including a strong showing at the World Championships in Zürich, she has a bright future ahead. “Zürich will be a very tough circuit, an elimination race, and I believe the Spanish team will bring a great squad. I’m approaching it with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement; let’s go for it!” Ostiz concluded.
