"Careers will be shorter because the intensity is not sustainable... If you want to have a family it's very tough” - Too much being asked of modern stars says Bob Jungels

Having been racing at World Tour level since 2013, the peloton is almost completely unrecognisable for Bob Jungels, as he heads to 2025 and a move to the INEOS Grenadiers. According to the experienced Luxembourger though, the changes and demands placed on modern riders may have gone too far.

“It’s an interesting time for the sport, and I’m curious to see how long it will last,” begins the 32-year-old, who has amassed experience with the likes of Trek, Quick-Step, AG2R and most recently with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, in an assessment of the modern rigours, in conversation with Rouleur. “I’m a bit sceptical if we can still push it a lot more.”

After this intriguing comment, Jungels is pushed further to expand on his thoughts. “I think we will reach a limit at some point of mental strength and mental capacities of riders,” he answers, explaining how he feels too much is asked of the modern generation of riders. “I think so. There is a lot less downtime, more time at altitude camps, and all year round you’re required to take care of nutrition and this or that. It’s becoming a tough year every year. I believe there is a time for everything – time to have beers with mates, time to weigh your rice. To have a long-lasting career, you have to find your own balance.”

“I don’t think it’s going to be a thing where people say we don’t want to ride like this anymore, but you see it already with younger riders saying it’s not for me anymore,” Jungels continues. “You didn’t really have this in the past. I believe, and I hope I’m wrong, that careers will be shorter because the intensity is not sustainable. If at some point you want to have a family, it’s tough, very tough, and it’s something we will see in the next five to 10 years.”

“I don’t want to point anyone out, but definitely, I think the peak is much earlier now. I am sure of that,” he concludes. “I think nowadays the pursuit of success is a lot more unforgiving for younger riders. It’s a feeling that I have that teams sometimes take less care in building a rider up. It’s a personal feeling, but it will be interesting to see what will happen in the next seasons.”