Unzue speaks out on the Carlos Rodriguez affair and Movistar's future

Movistar Team has practically given up on the signing of Carlos Rodríguez, according to general manager Eusebio Unzue, who explained during the post-stage program on TVE. The veteran owner of Movistar Team pointed out the lines that the team should follow in the near future and on which they are working in order to return to the status of a reference team.

Movistar considers Carlos Rodriguez's signing as lost

Interesting statements by Eusebio Unzue to Televisión Española after the third stage of the Vuelta a España that finished in the ski resort of Pal-Arinsal in Andorra. The owner of Movistar Team was obviously asked about the rumored signing of Carlos Rodriguez by the team.

As had been known for some time, Unzue explained that there was a pre-contract between the current INEOS Grenadiers rider and Movistar Team in which he was offered to sign for the next 4 seasons. However, the excellent performance of the rider from Sexitano during the Tour de France made INEOS Grenadiers look to keep the rider in their ranks.

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Both his agent and Carlos Rodriguez then grabbed on to what Unzue called a "loophole", a cancellation clause that would release the rider upon payment of a certain amount. Although Unzue stated that this clause had not yet been enforced, it was clear from his words that the hopes of having Carlos Rodríguez in his ranks next season were practically zero.

An issue, the unsuccessful signing of Carlos Rodríguez, which ended up deriving in the "increasingly expensive cycling" and how all budgets are growing, including Movistar's. In fact, according to Eusebio Unzue himself, Telefónica had assumed that it could not continue as the team's sole sponsor, leaving the door open to the incorporation of a second sponsor. An aspect on which Eusebio Unzue stated that he is working intensely.

However, it was not clear that this new sponsor could arrive in time for the 2024 season, which undoubtedly limits Movistar Team's ability to sign reinforcements. Unzue declared, with a certain tone of resignation, in maintaining confidence in Enric Mas, hoping that he finds security and tranquility.Besides, they also trust in the progression of young cyclists like, for example, Ivan Romeo, who a few days ago achieved a sensational victory in the 5th stage of the Tour del Porvenir.