Movistar team up with Saudi Cycling Federation
Both sides will work together to promote cycling in Saudi Arabia
Abarca Sports, the managing company of Movistar Team, has signed a “memorandum of understanding” with the Saudi Cycling Federation, the Spanish WorldTour team announced on Monday.
The agreement will see both sides “exchange experiences” and work together to develop bike racing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a statement shared on Movistar’s website, the team said: “The Saudi Cycling Federation and Spanish Abarca Sports (Movistar Team) signed an agreement today in the presence of Mr. Abdullah Alwathlan the President of the Saudi Cycling Federation and Mr. Eusebio Unzué the President of Abarca Sports and General Manager of Movistar Team.
“The agreement aims to develop technical staff, enhance cooperation on training programs, exchange experiences, hold regular workshops and support events, races and activities in the Kingdom for years to come.
“The cooperation between the parties aims to jointly develop cycling projects in the Kingdom at all levels."
Neither the term of the partnership nor its financial value were disclosed.
The agreement is not Saudi Arabia’s first venture in the sport of cycling. Last July, Australian team BikeExchange-Jayco signed a two and a half year deal with AlUla, a boutique tourist destination in the north west of the Middle Eastern country.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
In a statement shared at the time, BikeExchange-Jayco general manager Brent Copeland said: “The mutual respect and alignment of values are great for GreenEdge Cycling and it will be exciting to see how our partnership can help AlUla to grow awareness among the passionate cycling community as a luxury heritage destination.”
In 2020, Saudi Arabia teamed up with Tour de France organisers ASO to launch the Saudi Tour, a five-stage 2.1 category race that dates back to 1999. The most recent edition, held in and around AlUla, was won this February by Lotto-Soudal rider Maxim Van Gils.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in cycling comes as part of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” initiative, which seeks to diversify the oil-rich state’s ventures and reputation around the world.
In March last year, The Guardian reported that Saudi Arabia had spent at least $1.5 billion on sporting events including golf, tennis and horse racing. Later that year, a consortium led by the country’s Public Investment Fund acquired Newcastle United Football Club for £305 million ($409 million).
Amnesty International's latest report on Saudi Arabia highlights a "crackdown" on "rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly" in the country.
Thank you for reading 20 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
Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is fluent in French and Spanish, and holds a master's degree in International Journalism, which he passed with distinction. Since 2020, he has been the host of The TT Podcast, offering race analysis and rider interviews.
An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill, and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides. His best result is 28th in a hill-climb competition, albeit out of 40 entrants.
-
Has cycling's most affordable pro bike brand just launched its aero machine?
Van Rysel set to equip Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale with new RCR-F in 2025
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Even if you ride a lot, here's why you shouldn't skip leg day at the gym
Think your legs get enough exercise? A little gym time can unlock big strength and performance gains.
By Greg Kaplan Published
-
Six things we want to see in Movistar's ‘The Least Expected Day’ season four on Netflix
The fourth season of the series following the exploits of the Spanish team expected in 2023
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Annemiek van Vleuten heads to Kenya with the Masai tribe
Dutch World Champion takes her gravel bike to Kenya for an off season adventure with the Masai tribe
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
What I learned from watching season three of Netflix's Movistar documentary ‘The Least Expected Day'
Enric Mas battles to reach the top and 'Superman' brings the drama in the latest instalment of the Spanish Eastenders
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
Man accused of reversing into Alejandro Valverde released with charges
Valverde didn't suffer major injuries in the hit and run incident and has since been released from hospital
By Ryan Dabbs Last updated
-
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
-
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
-
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 Last updated
-
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