Aider Merino will strengthen the nascent Laboral Cuza women's team as a leader in several big races on the calendar in 2023. The addition of Merino is the first step in the Spain-based team's expansion with a budget of 1.8 million euros and a goal of obtaining a Women's World Team license in 2024.

"After two years of not doing well on the sporting side, I need to be myself, be more confident, happy, find myself again, have a calendar and motivation.

Merino said of his new program.

"I love cycling so much and I can't be without it. I had a lot of options, but I chose Leyval Kutza because it feels like a family, I feel close to everything, and I get good support. I want to share all my experiences with young riders who have great potential. I want to encourage and support them in certain moments and situations during the race. I like the good atmosphere and feel I can contribute to the group

"Because we are not well known, we have to get noticed at the international level, achieve results, and gain a little respect. We want to achieve great feats as a team."

Team manager Aitor Galdos told Cycling News that the team plans to continue developing Basque athletes following Euskaltel Euskadi on the men's team.Laboral Kutxa's partnership with the team has been extended to 2029 The team has extended its partnership with the team until.

Merino joins the team this year from Le Cor Wahoo, where he has raced for A.R. Manex, Movistar Team, and Riontec. A pure climber who has finished in the top 10 at the Giro d'Italia Donne and twice at the Emacmen Vila, she has won the Spanish road race title.

Her 10 years of professional bike racing experience will bring valuable experience to the team.

"Eider is an important asset to the growth of our organization. She has been cycling at the highest level for many years in the world's elite road races. We believe she can bring back the best version of her here," said team director Ion Lazcano.

"Our comprehensive project matches her personality and work ethic, and we believe she will perform at her best in a friendly, trusting environment such as ours. Besides, she is a reference for other home riders and they will definitely learn and grow alongside her."[17