"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
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?
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
claps 3visitors 1
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- It would be great if the World Champion's jersey could be rotated among McNulty, Simmons, and Jorgenson. They threaded the needle perfectly. If each hadn't done exactly what he did, exactly when he did it, the race would have gone to one of the more heralded superstars. That said, how nice that this humble and hardworking guy gets his moment in the sun.
MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I get the point totally. We live in the snowflake society where some riders forget they are getting paid to ride and get results. When they have a few issues they try to look outside of the real issue instead of themselves. It odd so many of the team are making no complaints and getting on with their job. If you do not like what you do find another job simples. Tough love as my mum would say.paultryan200207-11-2026
- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
Loading
Write a comment