He's one of the biggest sources of excitement for the Movistar Team, and he feels at home in this group. Rubén Fernández (1991) has extended his current contract with Eusebio Unzué's group, and will wear the green 'M' of the telephone squad for the next three years. One of the best climbers and future prospects in Spanish cycling will thus remain by the side of the nation's only WorldTour team.

In 2016, his second season within the Blue ranks, has been a year of regularity and brilliance for the Spaniard. Sixth-place finisher in two WorldTour stage races like Down Under and Pologne - both results fundamental for the Movistar Team's fourth consecutive WT title - as well as in the Vuelta a Burgos, he became a household name thanks to a sensational Vuelta a España: 2nd atop the Mirador de Ézaro, GC leader for a day and superb helper for Nairo Quintana, who celebrated alongside the Murcian (33rd overall) as he triumphed in Madrid.

With Valverde and Quintana already signed through 2019, Fernández confirms himself as a bet for the future by a Movistar Team which holds 27 riders under contract for next year. The new season will kick off on 15 January, as the Tour Down Under takes the curtain up in South Australia.