This article highlights five up-and-coming cyclists who are expected to make a significant impact on the World Tour and potentially become the next Tour de France champions. From Spanish climber Juan Ayuso to French prodigy Paul Seixas, these young riders possess exceptional skills and ambitions that have captured the attention of cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
PARIS - The cycling world eagerly awaits the emergence of the next Tadej Pogacar, and several promising young talents are poised to make their mark on the World Tour. AFP takes a look at five up-and-coming riders who dream of one day conquering the Tour de France.One standout prospect is 19-year-old Spanish climber Juan Ayuso .
Last summer, he made a sensational debut at the Tour de l'Avenir, the Tour de France for riders under 23, by obliterating Chris Froome's record for the ascent of the formidable Col de Fenestre, set during the 2018 Giro. Recognizing his immense potential, UAE Team Emirates secured Ayuso's services until 2030, a long-term commitment that reflects their confidence in him. Ayuso showcased glimpses of his abilities in his first race with UAE at the January Tour Down Under, where he consistently found himself at the front of the pack.Another rising star is 18-year-old Frenchman Paul Seixas, considered by many to be the greatest French cycling talent in decades. Seixas, despite his young age, has generated immense expectations in a country starved of a Tour de France victory for forty years. His impressive fifth-place finish at the Grand Prix de la Marseillaise, his first race as a professional, only amplified these hopes. Seixas possesses a remarkable combination of skills, excelling as both a powerful climber and a formidable plains rider. His versatility was further demonstrated by his triumph as the world junior time trial champion in September, solidifying his status as a complete package. Seixas has openly expressed his ambition to win the Tour de France, stating, 'Winning the Tour de France is my ultimate dream and I will do everything to accomplish it.'Other promising riders include Albert Withen Philipsen, a versatile 21-year-old from Denmark who impressed with his 17th-place overall finish and best young rider award at the Tour Down Under. Philipsen, the youngest junior world champion in history on the road race, is known for his ability to shine in various disciplines, including time trials, mountain stages, and even the treacherous cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. British rider Thomas Pidcock, also 21, made a rapid ascent through the ranks, joining Israel PT's pro squad in May 2024 after winning both the Tour of Rwanda and Taiwan. Pidcock's impressive progress earned him leadership status within his team at the Tour of Valencia, where he finished 26th overall
CYCLING TOUR DE FRANCE UP-AND-COMING RIDER JUAN AYUSO PAUL SEIXAS ALBERT WITHEN PHILIPSEN THOMAS PIDCOCK
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