"It was quite unexpected to win this early in my career" - Laurence Pithie reflects on breakthrough start to 2024

Laurence Pithie has been one of the most in-form riders to start the 2024 season. The 21-year-old Kiwi, who rides for Groupama - FDJ has already secured a first World Tour win at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

"It was quite unexpected to win this early in my career," Pithie admits in conversation with New Zealand-based outlet, 1News. "I had a big goal at the start of the season to win a race at the World Tour level so to tick it off in February – well, January at the time – is pretty awesome."

Given that we're only at the start of February however, the is still much promise for Pithie in the coming months. "It's every kid's dream to go to the Olympics and it was always my dream growing up doing sports," he explains. "You never know with selection, but if I keep achieving and doing the work, it should happen naturally, I hope."

Wearing the New Zealand jersey on a full-time basis is also a goal for the 21-year-old. "It's most cyclists' dream to represent their country on the World Tour stage. When a rider wins the National Championships, the team do a custom jersey that only they can wear in the peloton so yeah, it's a really big deal," he concludes.