Carlos Betancur: Move to more professional Movistar will make things easier
Carlos Betancur is excited to be working alongside Movistar boss Eusebio Unzue and his three fellow Colombians at the Spanish team

Colombian rider Carlos Betancur says he appreciates the experiences he had at Ag2r La Mondiale, but claims his new team, Movistar, is the more professional outfit.
In an interview on the Colombian Cycling Federation website, Betancur spoke of his excitement to work with Movistar boss Eusebio Unzue and his three fellow Colombians on the team.
And while he claims that Ag2r didn't appreciate the kind of rider he was, the 2014 Paris-Nice winner says that things should be much easier on the Spanish team.
"With Ag2r all the experiences were good – I think they they all contributed to my life," he said. "Now with Movistar the good things continue, but in a more professional manner and knowing how to do things. They know what type of rider I am, and I think they are much more professional in what they do. I think that now things are going to be much easier."
The 2016 Giro d'Italia route
He also said: "I'm happy to belong to the number one team in the world, and I believe that with a person like Eusebio Unzué, who knows me and my characteristics very well, great things are on the way for me and for Movistar.
"I believe that being in a team like Movistar will consolidate me as a rider. I had some problems with Ag2r and that made it hard to demonstrate what class of rider I am. But now with Movistar we are going to show the class of rider that I am."
Betancur's attitude was one thing that was called into question during his time at Ag2r, principally when he chose not to board a plane back to Europe for the Tour de France because he felt ill.
There's no doubting Betancur's talent, though, and the 26-year-old insists there are a lot of riders who he can learn from at Movistar - not least Colombians Nairo and Dayer Quintana and Winner Anacona, with who he predicts a great future.
"Now the big teams rely heavily on Colombian riders because they know we have a lot of talent. For me, Winner, Dayer and Nairo, I personally think it's a guarantee to be in a team like this and for them too. We will work well as a team."
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
-
Five talking points from stage 15 of the Giro d'Italia
Our highlights from a stage where the GC contenders rolled in eight minutes behind the day's winner
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
Giro d'Italia 2022 standings: Results from the 105th edition after stage 15
The latest standings from the 105th edition of the Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Which WorldTour team has the best kit for 2022? We take a look through the wardrobe
Now almost all the kits are out, here are our measured ratings of racing kit ahead of the 2022 season
By Adam Becket • Published
-
AG2R Citroën manager ambitious going into new season: 'We want to win a Monument'
Vincent Lavenu also expects a more competitive challenge in the general classification of a Grand Tour
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Annemiek van Vleuten says 2021 was her best year yet
Dutchwoman says she is still "hungry" to continue racing with Movistar
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tadej Pogačar is 'pretty much untouchable' says Ben O'Connor
Fourth place finish at Tour de France still seems ridiculous, says Australian rider
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Movistar reveal brand new look for 2022 season
Both male and female teams will wear the new-look kit made by La Passione
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Alejandro Valverde confirms he will stay with Movistar for 2022
The Spaniard enters his 18th year with the Spanish-based team, which could be his last
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Marc Soler describes inability to stand up after Tour de France crash: 'I was really dizzy'
The Movistar rider crashed out of May's Giro d'Italia and is unlikely to return to Grand Tour action until next year
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
Alejandro Valverde says he will retire at the end of 2021
The 40-year-old former world champion wants to add an Olympics Games medal to the vast list of achievements before retiring
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published