Having already signed the oldest of the Izagirre brothers, Gorka, Movistar continue the strengthening of their roster by signing younger brother Ion. At the same time, the team has announced the extension of Francisco Ventoso's contract for another year.

The exodus from the disbanding Euskaltel team continues with the announcement that talented youngster Ion Izagirre has signed a contract with Movistar. The youngest of two brothers, Izagirre will join older brother Gorka who was announced as a new signing a few weeks ago.

Ion has had a gradual progression during his three seasons as a professional with the Euskaltel team. Following a modest debut season, 2012 was his breakthrough year when he won the time trial in the Tour of Asturias and won a stage of the Giro from a breakaway.

This year he has continued his upwards trajectory by almost winning the WorldTour Tour de Pologne where he finished 2nd after having worn the leader's jersey for one stage. He also finished 4th in the Tour Down Under and was 2nd and 4th in the Spanish road race and time trial championships respectively.

Being a solid climber and a strong time trialist, he is expected to excel in future stage races and will be an important addition to the Movistar squad.

At the same time, the team has announced that sprinter Francisco Ventoso has extended his contract for another season. The Spaniard joined the team prior to the 2011 season and won stages of the Giro d'Italia in his first two years with the team. This year he has been unable to win a single race but with 9 wins in the Movistar jersey, he has proved his value as one of the few sprinters on the team.

Only Rui Costa (13), Nairo Quintana (12) and Alejandro Valverde (11) have more victories than Ventoso while riding in a Movistar jersey.