Movistar look set to continue challenging for victory in the Grand Tours until at least 2017 as Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde have both signed new deals.

“In principle, we see the future with some comfort,” team manager Eusebio Unzué told biciciclismo.com.

While Valverde is yet to sign his new deal, he says it is not far away: “It’s a small point, just need to make it official,” said Valverde.

Quintana won the Giro d’Italia this year and was leading the Vuelta before crashing in the TT and then breaking his collarbone the next day.

“Nairo could spend his entire career with the Movistar Team,” says Unzue.

Following the lead of Omega Pharma-Quick Step, Movistar will reduce its riders from 27 to 25 this year to help accommodate future UCO rules for 2017 that require smaller teams.

They have 7 riders out of contract: Alex Dowsett, Francisco Ventoso, Pablo Lastras, Sylvester Szmyd, Ivan Gutierrez, Ruben Plaza and Enrique Sanz. Of the 7 Dowsett makes the strongest case for a renewal.

With the signing of Ruben Fernandez and Marc Soler, the team has 22 riders for next year, meaning there are only 3 spots available.