Race news
Paula Blasi cuts short UAE deal after months of speculation but keeps new team secret
After months of speculation, Paula Blasi has confirmed that she will depart UAE Team L’IMAD at the end of the 2026 season.
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Speaking on the Spanish national radio station RNE, Paula Blasi confirmed that she has signed a contract with a new team for next season, despite her current UAE Team L’IMAD contract running through until the end of 2027. However, she stopped short of naming her new destination.
Reports in recent months have strongly linked the 23-year-old with a move to Movistar, with some suggesting that a deal was already done, with a buyout clause triggered. When asked directly about the speculation surrounding Movistar, Blasi remained coy, but didn’t bat away the links to the Spanish team.
“For the moment, I cannot say anything,” Blasi told RNE. “I hope that, whatever it is, it’s announced soon. What I can say is that I’m very excited about the future.”
After joining the UAE Development team in 2025, Blasi excelled from the get-go, quickly earning a mid-season promotion to the WorldTour squad. Last season, the Spaniard consistently impressed, taking a first WorldTour win on the opening stage of the Tour de Romandie Féminin, before becoming under-23 European champion.
This season, Blasi has continued to rise, establishing herself as one of the best riders in the peloton, first winning the Amstel Gold Race Ladies before taking overall victory at the Vuelta España Femenina.
Since then, Blasi has added further GC victories at the CIC-Tour Féminin des Pyrénées and the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya Femenina, before finishing fifth at the Tour de France Femmes.
Despite an array of standout performances, Blasi explained that she believes now is the right time for a new environment.
“I believe it was the change I needed,” said Blasi. “I had a season with good moments and bad moments, but now it’s time for a next step and to race with a team that can accompany me in my ambitions.”
Blasi’s immediate attention will be on the upcoming World Championships, with the 23-year-old set to represent Spain in the individual time trial (20 September), mixed relay (22 September) and the road race (26 September).
Confirming her departure provides closure, allowing Blasi to tune out the speculation and focus entirely on racing.
“A few days ago, everything was definitively closed,” said Blasi. “It’s quite something, the paperwork and the things that go into it.”
