Race news
Belgian champion Rune Herregodts trades UAE for Movistar in search of Classics freedom
The Belgian champion joins the Spanish team, looking to 'find more opportunities in breakaways and the Classics.'
Free to read. No paywall.
Support our work and never miss
a story:
Favourite us on Google
Cor Vos
Rune Herregodts has signed for Movistar on a three-year deal ahead of the 2027 season, after a two-year spell at UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
The 28-year-old, who became Belgian road race champion back in June, confirmed on the Domestique Hotseat in June that he expected to leave UAE at the end of the season, with his national title fuelling his desire for more freedom.
“Normally, I will change team,” Herregodts said on the Domestique Hotseat in June. “I got to feel again how it is to have some freedom. It gave me the hunger to have that freedom in some races and try to go for a result.
The Belgian had been initially rumoured to join Lotto-Intermarché, before Movistar entered the race in August, with the Spanish team confirming his signature on Friday afternoon.
Herregodts enjoyed greater freedom during his two seasons at Intermarché-Wanty in 2023 and 2024, where he had more leadership opportunities, earning him the move to UAE. However, Herregodts is now looking to rediscover that freedom at Movistar in the Classics.
"I’m very excited to join the team. From what I’ve seen so far, we’re moving in the right direction,” Herregodts said in a statement released by Movistar.
“I believe the team is making significant strides in terms of performance, and for me, it’s a great environment to showcase my abilities, support the team, and find more opportunities in breakaways and the Classics.”
“I’m really looking forward to next year and to having a great season together. I’m confident that we’ll be successful."
He is set to become the second Belgian on the team’s roster for 2027, joining up with Cian Uijtdebroeks, who is preparing for his second season with Movistar.
"I’ve spoken a bit with Cian and the team to get a sense of how they work. He was very enthusiastic, which only reinforced my belief that this is the right place to develop my cycling career," Herregodts said.
Herregodts marks Movistar’s seventh new arrival ahead of next season, following Iván Cobo, Javier Cubillas, Hugo de la Calle, Mads Landbo, Mateo Ramíez, and Diego Uriarte.
"Rune joins the team at the peak of his maturity, possessing the experience and quality needed to contribute across different terrains. I’m certain that his arrival will add great value to the group. Welcome, Rune!” said Movistar Head of Sports Sebastián Unzué.
