Signed for three seasons
The young Colombian from Quindío (19 years old), one of the country’s most significant prospects, will join the WorldTour next season.
Colombia and Latin America will continue to play a vital role in the Movistar Team men’s project in the upcoming seasons. Diego Pescador (Quimbaya, Quindío, COL; 2004), a rider currently representing GW Erco Shimano in his home country, is set to transition to the WorldTour with Eusebio Unzué’s team. He has signed a contract for three years, lasting until the end of 2027.
His successful tenure in the Continental echelon has positioned Pescador as one of Colombia’s top talents. He was named the best young rider in the Vuelta a Colombia and won a stage at the RCN Classic in 2023. This year has brought significant achievements for the Quindiano: he placed 2nd overall in the Vuelta a la Juventud in his country; 7th – the third-best under-21 – in the prestigious Tour del Porvenir; and competed well in the Next Gen Giro and the Peace Race (Nations Cup).
Pescador joins the extensive list of talents from Colombia who have been part of Movistar Team. (c) David Estrada / Bienestar Magazine
STATEMENTS / Diego Pescador:
«There have been many beautiful moments for me in 2024. In the spring races in Italy, such as the Trofeo Piva (3rd), Palio del Recioto (2nd), or the Settimana Coppi e Bartali, I enjoyed myself greatly, gained valuable experience, and made a good impression at the front of the team. The Vuelta de la Juventud was the most crucial race of the year for us, and I left with immense satisfaction, both in terms of my performance and that of the entire team. With that enthusiasm, I traveled to my first Giro sub23, a highly demanding race at an incredible level, eight beautiful days, filled with heat and mountains… I didn’t arrive with the best feelings, but it left me with great satisfaction and set me up well for the Tour del Porvenir, the major international event I had marked on my calendar and the most significant for our category. Thank God everything went splendidly: I improved my performance from 2023, and representing Colombia there was an honor. Being among the top ten overall in today’s cycling is a tremendous achievement for someone who has fought so hard from the bottom. The Tour has a beautiful mystique; it has always suited me well, and I have fondly recalled many good moments from my time there.
During the Tour Colombia 2024. (c) Eder Garcés / GW Erco Shimano
Movistar Team has always provided significant support to Latin Americans; it has opened doors for cycling in this part of the world. Starting this new journey with them… honestly, there are days when I wake up and still can’t believe it. It is a WorldTour team, the team of my idol, Nairo Quintana, whom I have always admired and watched on TV when I was little. Being part of the team where he achieved great things is something beyond imagination. I am incredibly excited about it. I hope to learn a lot. I know this is a team with a winning mentality, and I aim to contribute as much as possible, dreaming of success together. I am the first Quindiano in the Movistar Team, and I think this will be a significant milestone for my region (laughs).
Above all, I want to grow as a person. I plan to implement everything I have learned at home here. I want to leave a mark of the entire journey I have undertaken. I will also strive to be part of that ‘generational change’ that Colombian fans expect from us. I know I am joining a solid team that will support me and help make my path to success easier. Ultimately, it will depend on me: to do good work, to have discipline and ambition, to be responsible and forward-looking. I eagerly anticipate the first training camp to start 2025 in the best possible way. I am grateful to God, the team, and my entire family, who have worked tirelessly for this. “This is a dream come true, especially in a team like this, where Colombia has always been a significant presence.”
Signed for Three Campaigns
The very young Colombian from Quindío (19 years old), one of the great promises of the coffee-growing country, will arrive at the WorldTour next season.
Introducing Diego Pescador
Colombia and Latin America will continue to be an important part of the Movistar Team men’s project for the coming campaigns. Diego Pescador (Quimbaya, Quindío, COL; 2004), a rider currently in the ranks of GW Erco Shimano in his country of origin, will make the jump to the WorldTour with Eusebio Unzué’s team. Sign for three years, until the end of 2027.
Career Highlights
Two campaigns in the Continental echelon have served to confirm Pescador as one of the best talents in his country. Key achievements include:
- Best young person at the Vuelta a Colombia.
- Winner of a stage in the RCN Classic in 2023.
- 2nd overall in the Vuelta a la Juventud in Colombia.
- 7th place (third best sub21) in the prestigious Tour del Porvenir.
- Competing at a high level in the Next Gen Giro and the Peace Race (Nations Cup).
The Journey Ahead
Pescador joins the long list of Colombian talents who have passed through the ranks of Movistar Team.
Diego Pescador’s Own Words
“There have been many beautiful moments in 2024 for me. In the spring races in Italy, such as the Trofeo Piva (3rd), Palio del Recioto (2nd), or the Settimana Coppi e Bartali, I enjoyed myself a lot, gained experience, and was able to give a good presence at the front of the team. The Vuelta de la Juventud was the most important of the year for us and I left with great satisfaction, both with my own performance and with the entire block.”
A Legacy in the Making
As the first Quindiano in the Movistar Team, Pescador aims to inspire a new generation of cyclists from his homeland. His journey reflects a commitment to growth, discipline, and ambition.
Statements from Diego Pescador
“Movistar Team has always helped Latin Americans a lot, it has opened the doors a lot to cycling on this side of the world. Starting this new path with them … the truth is, there are days when I wake up and I still don’t believe it.”
“It is a WorldTour team; the team of my reference, Nairo Quintana, whom I have always greatly admired. Being on the team where he did his great deeds is something that one cannot imagine. I hope to learn a lot and contribute to the team’s success.”
Future Aspirations
Pescador has clear goals for his tenure with Movistar Team. He emphasizes his desire to:
- Progress as a cyclist and as a person.
- Implement the lessons learned throughout his life.
- Be part of the ‘generational change’ that Colombian fans eagerly anticipate.
Critical Upcoming Competitions
As Diego transitions to the WorldTour, several key events are on his radar:
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tour de France | July 2025 | France |
| Giro d’Italia | May 2025 | Italy |
| Vuelta a España | August 2025 | Spain |
Conclusion of the Transition
Pescador’s signing with Movistar Team signifies a momentous occasion not just for him but for Colombian cycling as a whole. With dreams of achieving great successes, he embodies the spirit of the next generation of cyclists. As he prepares for his first concentration, the cycling world eagerly watches to see how this young talent will rise to the challenge on the global stage.
