These top talents are eager to take the next step: "Fighting for the best spots"

It is indisputable that cyclists are getting younger and younger. Whereas Egan Bernal stood out in 2019 as a 22-year-old Tour winner, we now see increasingly younger riders appearing at the top. Top talents are making the step up at an increasingly rapid pace. Joseph Blackmore and Iván Romeo are two of these talents. Both hope for an even better follow-up year after a great 2024.

The 21-year-old Blackmore made a great impression in the spring. For example, he won the Tour of Rwanda, and in the spring, he got to prove himself with the elite team of Israel - Premier Tech. He finished fourth immediately in the Brabantse Pijl, only to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège for U23 riders three days later. In August, he awarded his year by winning the Tour de l'Avenir. "I am, of course, delighted with my season. I went from one race to the next and didn't have the chance to take it easy," he told Daniel Benson.

The young Brit could gain considerable experience at the highest level with the Israeli team. In 2025, the step up will be even more significant. "After a few small races, I will focus on some classics, such as the Strade Bianche, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Flanders, and the E3 Saxo Classic," Blackmore says. "I will play among the superstars in big races and monuments. It's a different style of racing compared to the U23 races. Everyone is fighting for the best spots." The Tour de France is also an option. "It would be cool to be selected for the Tour de France. It is, of course, the biggest race in the world. But there are plenty of big races I can compete in."

At Israel - Premier Tech, Blackmore rides alongside his compatriot Chris Froome. The legend, 18 years older, is a great inspiration. At the Tour of Rwanda, the two rode together for the first time. "It was great to experience, and it was so crazy to ride on a continental team with Chris Froome. I was 10 when he won the Tour de France for the first time."

Joe Blackmore finished fourth in the Brabantse Pijl.

Romeo wants to show himself in his hometown in the Vuelta

The Spaniard Romeo, also 21, became last year's world champion in the U23 time trial. He has already completed two years in the WorldTour, but the youngster was cautiously introduced. This year should be the year of the breakthrough. "We prepared the season ambitiously," he told Marca. He already has a few certainties on the calendar. "I will start in Valencia (the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, February 9, ed.), and then later, I want to compete in my first grand tour."

It is still uncertain which grand tour it should be, but Romeo already has a preference. "The boss will say when the time comes, but I've seen a time trial in Valladolid during the Vuelta," says the Spanish city resident. Of course, the Spaniard wants to show himself in his home race. The talent's other big goals are the Spanish championships and the World Championships in Rwanda, this time among the elite.

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