Movistar have achieved seven successful seasons as part of the men’s WorldTour under their current title sponsor, but that isn't enough for parent company Telefónica. The Spanish multinational broadband and telecommunications provider has duly recognised the importance of fostering inclusion and gender equality, factors that have sparked the creation of their new UCI women's team in 2018.
"I was surprised Telefónica wanted to build a women's cycling project and that a huge company like that would go to bat for women's cycling, especially here in Spain. It has been amazing and incredible," the team's appointed director, Jorge Sanz, told Cyclingnews.
Sanz acknowledged several factors that came into play with Telefónica's decision to support women's cycling. That included a new generation of talent in Spain over the last four years, the UCI's increased support to developing women's cycling and a general shift in societal attitudes toward women in sport.
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"A few years ago, Spanish women's cycling sunk into one of its worst levels in history, with no representation in the women's road race at the 2012 Olympic Games, in the top 100 of the UCI ranking or the top 30 of the UCI country ranking. It was a very bad situation.
"But in the last four years, a young and talented generation has emerged, headed by Sheyla Gutierrez [Cylance Pro Cycling] and flanked by Eider Merino, Alicia Gonzalez and Alba Teruel. And add to that Ane Santesteban [Ale Cipollini], and older riders who had a later start in the sport like Mavi Garcia and Lorena Llamas, and suddenly it has improved.
"Next year, Spain will have one woman in the top 50 of the UCI ranking, two women in the top 120 of the UCI ranking and Spain will sit in 16th on UCI country ranking. So you can see that change is happening.
Telefónica commits to two years, envisions long-term future
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