Movistar newcomer Arlenis Sierra capped off a strong spring campaign this week by winning the overall and two of three stages at the Vuelta a Andalucía.

The 29-year-old Cuban rider won sprint victories from the pack on the first and second stages and finished second in the final stage behind teammate Jelena Erich.

"Andalucía will be a great memory after this," Sierra said. 'I enjoyed the race a lot and after this first block I'm very happy with what we accomplished.'

Sierra, a three-time top-10 finisher in the spring classics and a key asset for Annemieke van Vleuten, took her first UCI win of the 2022 season this week.

"We are always fighting for the win. It was a real team effort today.

That teamwork continued not only in their work on the road, but also in sharing the responsibility and opportunity of a stage win.

"I was really happy when I saw Yelena win [stage 3]. She was our rider of choice for the finish. I was even cheering for her in the last straight. It was beautiful to finish the week that way."

"I was so happy to see Yelena win the third stage, because she was the one we picked to finish.

Sierra is often described as a sprinter, but her performances in the Cobblestone Classic and Andalusia show a depth beyond pure sprinting.

Her victories in Andalusia both came from small groups after tough hilly stages, and her top 10 finishes in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders proved that she is not counted out on undulating courses. She was not to be counted out on the undulating course.

"I'm not a pure climber and I know I tend to struggle on the longer climbs. But I will try to fight." Sierra said after the first stage in Andalusia.

Despite Van Vleuten's absence due to a wrist injury, Movistar got off to a perfect start in the Spanish stage race.

"These wins and this week have been the result of great teamwork," said Movistar. We've been able to race with a lot of composure during the week," said Movistar. The group always stayed together, we were able to bridge back against any attacks, and we were able to protect Arlenis well.

For Sierra, the European season is on hold for now.

"I will now return to Cuba to compete in the Pan American Road Race Championships in Argentina later this month.