"I’m still proud of yesterday’s ride" - Ivan Romeo stays positive as time in yellow at the Dauphiné lasts just one day

Iván Romeo surrendered the overall lead at the Criterium du Dauphiné on a tough day against the clock, following his stunning solo victory just 24 hours earlier. The 21-year-old Spaniard, riding for Movistar Team, admitted the previous day’s heroics had left him drained, ultimately costing him nine critical seconds to the new race leader and stage 4 winner Remco Evenepoel in the individual time trial.

Despite slipping down the general classification, Romeo was composed and honest in his post-stage reflections — taking full responsibility, without offering excuses. “It was an amazing experience — something I’d always dreamt of,” he said. “To see the crowds supporting me like that, it really felt like a dream come true. Of course, I would have loved to keep the jersey, but I was up against the best riders in the world. What can I say? I’m proud of what I achieved yesterday. Today, I gave it everything I had. Now it’s about continuing to improve.”

Romeo, who has emerged this season as one of Spain’s most promising young talents, remains focused on long-term progression. His candid words reflected a mindset geared toward growth, not short-term setbacks.

“We need to be faster, and we want to be. The good thing is, we’ve got time to get there. Naturally, I’m disappointed — I’m a competitor, and I would’ve liked to hold on to yellow," he admits. "But I’m still proud of yesterday’s ride. Today didn’t go as I’d hoped, but that’s sport. That’s cycling. And that’s why we love it.”

While the time trial didn’t fall in his favour, Romeo’s performance in this year’s Dauphiné has marked a significant step forward in his development. From a breakthrough stage win to leading a WorldTour race, the young Spaniard has shown he’s more than capable of competing with the elite.