Pablo Castrillo (Expo Cologne Farma), who stole the limelight with two sensational stage wins at this year's Vuelta a España, is looking to solidify his place at the elite level of cycling in 2025.

For months, the Spaniard had been rumored to be moving to Ineos Grenadier next season. However, after the 23-year-old's performance at La Vuelta, Movistar swooped in to secure his signature on a three-year contract.

His motivation to race for the biggest team in Spain apparently played a major role in his decision to reject Ineos Grenadier and sign with Movistar instead.

“I wanted a Spanish team that would give me freedom in the race,” Castillo told Marca after participating in the La Nucia Criterium.

“I was also very interested in sports projects. It's a project very dedicated to young people. I am really looking forward to starting in Movistar.”

“It was a long negotiation and I was looking forward to the announcement. I am very happy with the contract and I am looking forward to contributing as much as I can,” he added.

Castrillo scored an emotional victory for Carnfarma on stage 12 of La Vuelta. This came just hours after the team announced that its founder and former president, Manolo Azcona, had died at the age of 71. He took his second victory on stage 15, the summit finish to Kuitu Negru. Cologne-Farma won the third stage of the Vuelta through Urco Berlade on stage 18.

He turned professional in 2023 with Equipo Kern Pharma. Along with his success in this year's Vuelta, he finished fifth overall in the Tour of Slovenia, seventh overall in the Vuelta a Burgos, and seventh overall in the recent CRO race.

The strong climber from Huesca is looking forward to a higher level calendar next season when he moves to the World Tour and recently met with his future teammates.

“There are a lot of races on the World Tour calendar, all of which interest me. I would love to race with Movistar in the Classics and Grand Tours.”

“We recently had a training camp and the atmosphere is great. There is a great sense of togetherness with my teammates and the workgroups are very good. I'm looking forward to getting started.”

In addition to Castillo, Movistar has signed four other players for 2025, including Natnael Tesfazion of Lidl Trek and Oluis Aurar of Caja Rural Seguros RGA. Meanwhile, Alex Aramburu will move to Cofidis and Oiel Lazcano to Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe.

Castrillo sent a warm farewell message to Khan Farmer, as he had been a part of Khan Farmer's development setup since his junior racer days.

“I hope they have the very good future they deserve. I expect a lot from them with these two victories. I hope they get invited to more races and do very well.”