"In a French team, it's easy for a foreigner to feel like an outsider” – But now Michael Storer has found his home at Tudor Pro Cycling

Michael Storer delivered the best week of his professional career at the 2025 Tour of the Alps, claiming a decisive victory on Stage 2 and sealing the overall title with consistent climbing and tactical awareness. The 28-year-old Australian, riding for Tudor Pro Cycling Team, is now turning his attention to the Giro d’Italia, which starts in just six days on May 9.

Storer’s form this season has been nothing short of exceptional. He finished fifth overall at Paris–Nice in March and was tenth at the Giro d’Italia last year. But it’s his commanding performance in the Alps that has made the cycling world take notice, and his Tudor teammates are full of belief heading into the next Grand Tour.

Speaking on The Cycling Podcast, teammate Larry Warbasse offered a deeper look at what has helped Storer reach this new level.

"Some riders need to be in the right environment to reach their best level," Warbasse explained. "I don't think he was happy at his first two teams, Team Sunweb and Groupama–FDJ. Whether that was because he didn't fit in or because of how he was treated, I think Tudor Pro Cycling is the first team where he's really happy. When you feel supported and you feel good in a team, it makes it so much easier to perform."

Warbasse, who has also spent time racing for a French WorldTour outfit, sympathised with the challenges Storer may have faced early in his career.

"In a French team, it's easy for a foreigner to feel like an outsider. For me, it took a few years before I felt at home at AG2R. It's not that easy. This is the first team where he really feels comfortable and that's one of the reasons why he's performing better."

Storer has long been tipped for greatness, even before his breakout Grand Tour performances in recent years. Warbasse recalled seeing his talent on full display early on.

"I remember riding in the Herald Sun Tour in 2017 and I thought: this kid is going to do special things one day. He has done that, but I don't think he's reached his potential yet. We're seeing him start to tap into that now."

What Storer’s precise goals are for the Giro remain to be confirmed, but Warbasse sees potential in both stage hunting and general classification ambitions.

"I think it's a good goal to finish in the top 10 and win a stage. The top 5 would be the icing on the cake. He himself prefers to go for stages, because that gives less stress. But when you're as good as he is, you just have to go for the general classification."

Physically, Warbasse believes the Australian is capable of something truly special.

"On a purely physical level, Michael is capable of going for the podium. Even if he maintains the same level as in the Tour of the Alps. His values are unreal."

And to put Storer’s form into perspective, Warbasse compared him to another top Australian climber.

"Last year I did the Tour of the Alps and Giro d’Italia with Ben O'Connor. Michael is physically at least one level above Ben last year. I think he is capable of showing great things. Ben relies a lot on his determination, while Michael really has that enormous talent."

Remember, last year O'Connor came fourth at the Giro, in a race where Tadej Pogacar truly decimated the field. This year, there's no Pogacar, but there are riders such as Roglic, Ayuso, Carapaz and the Yates brothers, who will be the favourites for the podium. Can Storer pull off an upset?