Marlen Reusser Plans Retirement as Movistar Signs Blasi
The 35-year-old cyclist eyes 2027 retirement while Movistar secures Vuelta Femenina champion Paula Blasi.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cycling
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Professional cyclist Marlen Reusser has announced her intention to retire from the sport at the end of 2027. Simultaneously, the Movistar team has confirmed that Paula Blasi will join their roster for the 2027 season.
Why it matters
Reusser cited her age as a primary factor in her decision to step away from professional competition. Movistar is bolstering its grand tour general classification prospects by recruiting Blasi following her successful 2026 campaign.
Paula Blasi enters the team with high momentum after winning both the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina and the 2026 Amstel Gold Race. In the same 2026 Tour de France Femmes, she secured a fifth-place finish while Reusser placed 14th.
The players
Marlen Reusser
A 35-year-old professional cyclist currently under contract with the Movistar team.
Paula Blasi
A successful cyclist who won the 2026 La Vuelta Femenina and will join Movistar in 2027.
Movistar
A professional cycling team focused on grand tour general classification success.
The details
Reusser, who is 35, intends to compete in the 2027 Tour de France Femmes before her current contract expires. The 2027 edition features significant technical challenges, including a team time trial in London on stage 3 and two Ardennes-style stages.
Timeline
Paula Blasi established herself as a top contender during the 2026 racing season.
The 2027 Tour de France Femmes will feature a stage 3 team time trial in London.
Marlen Reusser's current contract with Movistar concludes at the end of 2027.
Season Trajectory
The 2027 Tour de France Femmes route reflects a continued focus on varied and challenging terrain, much like the 2023 Tour de France finish on Puy de Dôme. By signing a proven winner in Blasi, Movistar is positioning itself to be a primary disruptor in the upcoming general classification battles.
Fans should monitor how Movistar adjusts its tactical planning for hilly stages to support Blasi's general classification ambitions. The inclusion of a stage 3 team time trial in London will likely shift the early race standings and force teams to prioritize specialized training.
The takeaway
The cycling world is entering a transition phase as established veterans balance final career goals with the rise of new talent. Fans and observers can anticipate more aggressive team maneuvering as squads finalize their rosters for the 2027 grand tours.
Further reading
For more on the current competitive landscape, visit the Cycling section.
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