Matt White Joins Movistar: Co-Head of Race Department After Departure from Jayco-AlUla

October 30, 2025

Former Jayco-AlUla Director Matt White Joins movistar in New Leadership Role

Madrid, Spain – A significant shift is underway in the world of professional cycling as Matt White has been appointed as co-head of the racing department at Movistar Team. This appointment arrives after his departure from Jayco-AlUla and GreenEdge Cycling earlier this year. The Australian will work alongside Chente García acosta, and their combined leadership is intended to revitalize the Spanish-based WorldTour teamS competitive strategies.

A New Chapter for a Seasoned Leader

White, who boasts over 15 years of experience as a Sporting Director, expressed his enthusiasm for the new possibility. He stated his eagerness to leverage his expertise to contribute to Movistar’s continued success. He emphasized his long-held respect for the Movistar Team,making his transition to their inner circle particularly motivating.

Restructuring at GreenEdge Cycling

The move follows an unexpected restructuring within GreenEdge Cycling,the organisation behind both the men’s Jayco-alula and women’s Liv-AlUla-Jayco WorldTour teams. White’s departure in May was described as an inevitable result of this restructuring, though the team at the time acknowledged his pivotal role in the organisation’s advancement and achievements. GreenEdge highlighted his contributions to numerous grand Tour stage victories and one-day race wins.

Movistar’s Strategic Reorganisation

Movistar’s reorganization, spearheaded by Head of Sports Sebastián Unzué, aims to create a more modern and efficient team structure. This includes establishing four key departments: Performance,Career,Health,and Riders. Each department will be led by specialized managers responsible for coordinating their respective areas. Iván Velasco and Xabier muriel will spearhead advancements in performance, engineering, nutrition, and research and development.

Iñigo Michelena will oversee all medical coordination, while a dedicated Riders Department will ensure direct representation and support for the athletes. Unzué emphasized the intent to optimize processes and foster greater collaboration throughout the organization.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Role	Name	Responsibilities
Co-Head of Racing Department	Matt White	Coordinating, planning, and sports management.
Co-Head of Racing Department	Chente García Acosta	Coordinating, planning, and sports management.
Head of Sports	Sebastián Unzué	Leading the overall sports strategy and reorganization.
Performance & R&D Lead	Iván Velasco & Xabier Muriel	enhancing athlete performance through data and innovation.

Did you know? The structure of professional cycling teams has become increasingly complex in recent years, with teams investing heavily in data analytics and specialized roles to gain a competitive advantage.

Pro Tip: Understanding team structures can provide valuable insight into a team’s overall strategy and potential strengths during races.

The Evolving Landscape of Cycling Team Management

The modern cycling team is no longer merely a collection of talented riders.It is a refined organization requiring expertise in sports science, data analytics, logistics, and marketing. The trend towards specialized departments underscores the growing professionalization of the sport. According to a report by GlobalData, spending on cycling team operations has increased by an average of 8% annually over the past five years. This investment reflects the belief that marginal gains in all areas can translate to significant performance improvements. Teams are increasingly looking beyond traditional training methods, embracing innovative technologies to enhance performance and minimize the risk of injury.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matt White and Movistar

• What is Matt White’s new role at Movistar? He is the co-head of the racing department, responsible for coordinating team strategies.
• Why did matt White leave Jayco-AlUla? He departed due to a restructuring of the performance group within GreenEdge Cycling.
• What is the goal of Movistar’s reorganization? To create a more modern, efficient team structure aligned with the demands of contemporary cycling.
• Who is leading the reorganization at Movistar? sebastián Unzué, the Head of Sports, is leading the organizational changes.
• What new departments are being created at Movistar? The new departments include Performance, Career, Health, and Riders.
• How vital is data analytics in modern cycling? data analytics has become increasingly crucial for optimizing athlete performance and gaining a competitive edge.
• What impact will these changes have on Movistar’s performance? The team hopes the changes will optimize processes and strengthen collaboration, leading to improved results.

What are your predictions for Movistar’s performance in the upcoming season? share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific tactical areas is Matt White known to excel in,based on his previous experience?

A New Chapter for Matt White in WorldTour Cycling

Matt white has officially joined Movistar Team as a co-head of their race department,marking a significant move for the experienced Australian directeur sportif. This appointment comes roughly six months after his controversial departure from Jayco-AlUla, a period that left a void in the Australian WorldTour team’s leadership. The news, reported by Escape Collective on October 29, 2025, signals a fresh start for White and a bolstering of Movistar’s sporting direction.

The Jayco-AlUla Exit: A Recap

White’s exit from Jayco-AlUla in April 2025 was shrouded in controversy following allegations of inappropriate behavior. While details remain somewhat limited,the team cited a breach of team rules as the reason for his dismissal.This led to a period of uncertainty for White’s future in professional cycling, prompting speculation about potential opportunities within the sport. The incident highlighted the increasing scrutiny on conduct within cycling teams and the importance of upholding ethical standards. Professional cycling ethics and team management are now more important than ever.

Movistar’s Strategic Move: strengthening the race Programme

Movistar’s decision to bring White onboard is a clear indication of their ambition to strengthen their race program and tactical capabilities. He will share leadership of the race department, working alongside existing personnel to shape the team’s approach to key races throughout the season.

Here’s what this appointment perhaps brings to Movistar:

* Tactical Acumen: White is widely respected for his tactical knowledge and ability to read races, honed over years of experience.

* Race Strategy Expertise: His expertise in developing and implementing race strategies will be invaluable, particularly in Grand Tours and Classics.

* Australian Connection: White’s network within the Australian cycling community could prove beneficial for talent identification and recruitment.

* Grand Tour Focus: Movistar, historically a strong Grand Tour contender, will likely leverage White’s experience in thes multi-stage races. Grand Tour strategy is a key area of focus.

White’s Career Trajectory: From Rider to DS

Matt White’s journey in cycling is multifaceted. He transitioned from a professional rider – competing at a high level for several years – to a highly regarded directeur sportif.

* Riding Career: White raced professionally from 1999 to 2007, primarily as a domestique, supporting team leaders in major races.

* Early DS roles: He began his directorial career with Orica-GreenEDGE (now team Jayco-AlUla) in 2012, quickly establishing himself as a capable and respected leader.

* key Wins as DS: During his time with Orica-GreenEDGE/Jayco-AlUla, White played a role in several significant victories, including stage wins in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España. Tour de France tactics and Vuelta a España strategy where areas where he excelled.

* Leadership Style: known for his direct dialog and meticulous planning,White’s leadership style is ofen described as demanding but effective.

Impact on Movistar’s 2026 Season and Beyond

The immediate impact of White’s arrival will be felt during the off-season as Movistar prepares for the 2026 season. Expect to see adjustments to their training programs, race selection, and tactical approaches.

Key areas to watch:

1. Grand tour Contention: Will Movistar refocus its efforts on challenging for overall victory in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, or Vuelta a España?
2. Classics Campaign: Can White’s tactical expertise translate into improved results in the Spring Classics?
3. Rider Advancement: Will Movistar prioritize the development of young riders under White’s guidance? Rider development programs are crucial for long-term success.
4. Team Cohesion: Integrating White into the existing team structure will be critical for fostering a cohesive and effective race department.

The Broader Implications for Cycling Team Management

This move underscores a trend in professional cycling: the increasing importance of experienced and qualified team managers and directeurs sportifs. Teams are investing heavily in building strong sporting departments to gain a competitive edge. The scrutiny surrounding white’s previous departure also highlights the need for clear ethical guidelines and accountability within cycling teams. Cycling team governance is becoming increasingly critically important.