“He’s got a real sense for the race and a real racing aura around him" - INEOS rave about the potential of 'special' Joshua Tarling

After a somewhat bleak couple of years, things really seem to be looking up again for the INEOS Grenadiers in early 2025. A new, attacking style of racing has already brought some big results and a number of the team's young guns are starting to fulfil their potential, chiefly among them, Joshua Tarling.

The 21-year-old Welshman burst onto the scene at the 2023 Glasgow World Championships, taking a podium finish in the men's elite individual time trial. Since then, the powerhouse has become European champion against the clock and 7 wins to his palmares, most recently beating Tadej Pogacar to a stage of the UAE Tour in February. According to INEOS Grenadiers sports director Oli Cookson and Tarling's agent Jamie Barlow, more than just his pure power, it's the attitude and drive to be the best that sets Tarling apart from many of his peers.

“Josh is just someone that I think a lot of people can relate to," Cookson explained recently in conversation with Velo. “He’s very good at Gran Turismo! He’s got a good heart, a good sense of humour, and is a pleasure to work with.”

“He obviously really loves riding his bike and loves racing,” Cookson continues, clearly impressed by the attitude of the up-and-coming star and Tarling's potential, not only as a time trial powerhouse, but also a growing threat in the Classics. “He’s got a real sense for the race and a real racing aura around him. I think that’s also really special in this sport, the guys that just really get it and can be in the mix in different scenarios.”

“He’s a typical young guy. He’s a good character, a good person. He enjoys himself off the bike and is good fun to be around,” Barlow adds, giving an insight into the 21-year-old's personality away from the bike. “He puts a lot of pressure on himself, as a lot of top athletes do. He probably struggles to switch off, again like a lot of top athletes. But he will find his way.”

“A lot of these guys who are big winners have a lot of hunger,” Cookson adds in conclusion, drawing comparisons in the attitude of Tarling and one of British Cycling's greatest ever riders, Mark Cavendish. “It’s probably not exactly the same way as someone like Cav. But there are parallels for these guys that are really incredibly driven and passionate as well. I think that is also a beautiful thing in this sport, to have passion as well.”