In one of the most unexpected transfers of the season, Movistar signed Carlos Betancur for the next two seasons. In August, the Colombian terminated his contract with AG2R.

"I was not happy there,” he tells Spanish newspaper AS. “There were personal stories and I did not adapt at all."

Problems with discipline and weight have made the 2014 and 2015 season disastrous for the talented Colombian.

"It is true that I have problems with the weight but it was not only that,” he says. “There was no motivation or incentive to train and do things right.. With the new squad, they have put me in the hands of a nutritionist and we work to return to the highest level.”

The ultimate triumph for Betancur came in March 2014 when he won Paris-Nice.

"I do not think my signing is a second chance for me,” he says. “I see it as a continuation of my sporting career. This is a new step forward. It’s a motivation to join the best team in the world. Now it only remains to try. My goal is to be good wherever I go. I am a young man who has sacrificed so much, and these two years during which I have suffered, will not become an impediment to achieving big goals in the future.”

Betancur is now 26 years old, recently married and has a son. Manager Eusebio Unzue wants him to move to Pamplona with his family.

"Carlos Betancur is our personal challenge,” he said. “He has reached a significant level and he can return to being among the best.” 

Betancur will start his season at the Tour de San Luis and wants to "do the classics in the Ardennes with Valverde and Dani Moreno and then accompany Alejandro in the Giro." 

In 2013 he finished fifth in the Corsa Rosa with the white jersey of the best young rider. 

"Although I regard the Worlds as my favorite event, I do not care where I will raise my arms again. The next victory will mark a turning point in my career.”