Spaniard had a contract with UAE through 2027 but Movistar have reportedly triggered a buy-out clause to land a marquee signing

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Spanish cycling star Paula Blasi has confirmed that she will leave UAE Team l’IMAD and join a new team for the 2027 season.

The 23-year-old rider has not officially revealed the name of her next team, but several Spanish media reports have linked her with Movistar.

Blasi appeared on Spanish national radio RNE on Saturday and was asked whether she would race for Movistar in 2027. She laughed before saying she could not reveal anything yet, but added that she was excited about her future.

She also confirmed that she has signed the necessary documents and that the long-running transfer situation is now over.

Blasi joined UAE Team l’IMAD as a professional in the middle of the 2025 season after previously competing in running and triathlon. She quickly established herself as one of the rising names in women’s cycling.

Her 2026 season has been particularly impressive. She has won the Vuelta Femenina, Amstel Gold Race, Tour des Pyrénées and Volta a Catalunya, along with several other strong results.

Blasi was under contract with UAE Team l’IMAD until 2027, but her deal reportedly included a buyout clause of around €100,000. Team president Melissa Moncada previously described the clause as a “stupid mistake” in comments reported by cycling journalist Daniel Benson.

Spanish media reports say Movistar is expected to activate the clause. Reports have also suggested that the Spanish team could pay Blasi around €500,000 per year on a three-year contract.

Lidl-Trek had also reportedly been competing for Blasi’s signature. According to reports, the rider had signed a pre-contract or letter of intent with the team, but that agreement has now been ended.

Blasi said the complicated transfer process had been officially completed and that she could now focus fully on cycling.

She also indicated that she believes the move will help her take the next step in her career and compete with a team capable of supporting her ambitions.

UAE Team l’IMAD had made efforts to retain the young rider, but Blasi ultimately decided that a move elsewhere was the right choice for her future.