Movistar signs Belgian champion Rune Herregodts, who leaves UAE to take on a bigger role in the Classics

Movistar Team continues to complete its roster for 2027 with the addition of Rune Herregodts, the current champion of Belgium in road cycling. The 28-year-old cyclist arrives from UAE Team Emirates-XRG and has signed a three-season contract, until the end of 2029. His signing brings to the Spanish team a powerful rider, with experience in the WorldTour and the ability to take on different roles in the classics and stage races.

Movistar signs Belgian champion Rune Herregodts and adds an important reinforcement for the 2027 Classics

The structure led by Eusebio Unzué continues to shape its project for the upcoming season by incorporating a cyclist who has spent the last two years in one of the most competitive teams in the international peloton.

Herregodts is a rider particularly effective on flat terrains and demanding routes, with qualities for time trials, breakaways, and classics. A profile that can be useful both for protecting leaders and for expanding Movistar's tactical options in races where they do not start with a clear favorite.

His arrival also means adding experience to a roster that is incorporating numerous young riders for 2027.

A rider with six professional victories and the Belgian champion jersey

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Herregodts' career began in professionalism in 2021, when he debuted with Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise. That same year he achieved his first major victory in the Ronde van Drenthe and, in 2022, added two stage wins in the Vuelta a Andalucía and the Sazka Tour.

His progression took him to Intermarché-Wanty, where he competed during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During that period, he finished second in the Figueira Champions Classic, achieved two stage podiums in the Critérium du Dauphiné, and won the overall classification and a stage of the 2024 ZLM Tour.

These results opened the doors for him to UAE Team Emirates-XRG, where he has competed for the last two seasons, mainly performing support roles.

In 2026 he achieved one of the most notable successes of his career by becoming the Belgian road champion, a title that will allow him to join Movistar wearing the national jersey.

Herregodts seeks to combine teamwork with his own opportunities

Beyond his sporting qualities, the signing also responds to the personal aspirations of the rider. Although at UAE he has been part of a structure accustomed to contesting the most important victories on the calendar, his chances of taking individual prominence have been more limited.

Herregodts himself had acknowledged months ago that winning the Belgian Championship reminded him of what it meant to compete freely and fight for his own results.

Now he hopes to find that balance at Movistar, where he will also have to take on support tasks, but he trusts he will have opportunities in certain races.

"I am very excited to join the team. From what I have seen so far, we are working in the right direction. I believe the team is making many strides forward in terms of performance, and for me, it is a good environment to demonstrate my quality, help the team, and also have more opportunities in breakaways and classics," explains the rider.

The Belgian also revealed that he spoke with Cian Uijtdebroeks before joining the Spanish team. His compatriot, who will face his second season at Movistar, conveyed good feelings about the team's functioning and its sports project.

Movistar reaches seven signings for 2027

Herregodts becomes the seventh addition announced by Movistar for the upcoming campaign, following the arrivals of Iván Cobo, Javier Cubillas, Hugo de la Calle, Mads Landbo, Mateo Ramírez, and Diego Uriarte.

His incorporation adds a different profile compared to several of these riders, especially due to his experience at the highest level and his ability to perform in one-day races.

Sebastián Unzué, Movistar's sports director, has assessed his signing as follows: "Rune arrives at the team at a time of full maturity, with the experience and quality needed to contribute in different terrains. I am convinced that his arrival will add a lot of value to the group."

With this move, Movistar adds to its roster a rider who can become an important piece for the classics and transition stages, as well as offering alternatives in breakaways. For now, the team has not detailed its competition calendar or the races in which he will have more freedom.