"Comparable to that of Tadej Pogacar" - Lorenzo Finn has just made history at the Tour de l'Avenir, and his dominance is a warning

Cycling
Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 01:00
Lorenzo Finn won the under-23 road race world championships in Kigali 2025
Whilst at the Vuelta a España Tadej Pogacar is dominating the overall classification; Lorenzo Finn has just won the Tour de l'Avenir this Wednesday. The Italian's rule over the under-23 Tour de France is the most clear warning that his future rivals at elite level could see.

Lorenzo Finn wmakes history at the Tour de l'Avenir

Finn is the reigning under-23 World Champion, having conquered the road race title last fall in Kigali at age 18. His name, even for the casual cycling fans, is no longer much of an unknown, as he appears to be the next big name lined up to come out of the under-23 ranks. Sharing duties between Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe's development and elite teams, this year he's already won the 2.1 Sibiu Cycling Tour, as well as both the under-23 Giro d'Italia and Tour de France - the first rider to ever win both in the same season.
The Italian rider was crowned winner on the Tour de l'Avenir this Wednesday, having gained time on his direct rivals in the crosswinds on the opening day, dominating the mountain time trial, and putting in the best climbing times on both the Col de l'Iseran and Lago Serrù in the two decisive stages.
Not only a specialist on the shorter climbs, Finn's ability to tackle the monstruous mountain stages and the altitude cements him as one of the most versatile riders in the under-23 field. Ahead of his official jump to the World Tour, Finn has been reported to race the elite World Championships later this year in Montreal.
Lorenzo Finn won the under-23 road race world championships in Kigali 2025
Lorenzo Finn won the under-23 road race world championships in Kigali 2025

Finn set to race World Championships at elite level 

"If it were true, our chances of winning the world title would increase, because Finn's dominance in the U23 category is comparable to that of Tadej Pogačar among the professionals," Belgian national team coach Pauwels said in words to Het Laatste Nieuws.
Finn's performance in France has been notable amongst his peers - most of them older in age - whilst it is also his third consecutive stage-race victory. Pauwels compared his performances against his peers to those of Tadej Pogacar who has done similar at elite level.
"If Pogacar were not to participate in the World Championships, our chances of winning the world title would also increase significantly," he joked - having Remco Evenepoel as his grand weapon to try and win big in Montréal.
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