"It's a lesson every time": French climbing talent follows in Julian Alaphilippe's footsteps

Over the next three years, Tudor Pro Cycling will aim to secure a spot for themselves in World Tour. The Swiss PRT team brings together the strongest team at the level, led by experienced stars Julian Alaphilippe, Marc Hirschi, Michael Storer, Matteo Trentin and newcomer Stefan Küng. And behind these big names, a new generation is gradually working their way up the ranks with Mathys Rondel as perhaps the most interesting prospect.

The 22-year-old Frenchman only turned professional with Tudor last autumn, but withing the year at highest level has already showed a great potential in the mountains. His most promising result was the 9th place overall at the Tour de Romandie, but Rondel also finished in the top-5 of Giro d'Abruzzo and Tour de Luxembourg.

To round off the year, Rondel competed in a series of one-day races with a second place in debut edition of Trofeo Tessile & Moda and 4th place at the slightly exotic Japan Cup. These results only underline that Rondel can grow into more than just a stage racer, although the general classifications remain his main ambition in long run.

Speaking to Dicodusport, Rondel confirmed that there should be more one-day action on his schedule in 2026 as he wants to "discover one-day World Tour classics, such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège or the Il Lombardia."

A 2026 season that will once again be spent alongside Julian Alaphilippe. "With Julian (Alaphilippe, editor's note), you learn without even realizing it," confides the young rider from Sarthe.

Rondel seems very happy to have such experienced mentor by his side in his first seasons as a pro. The two-time world champion serves as a role model as well as a reference point in the peloton. "He brings real serenity to the team, we know that with him, everything is under control," he adds. "Seeing how he prepares for a race, how he anticipates key moments... it's a lesson every time," admits Rondel.

For him, riding alongside such a respected rider is a unique opportunity: "It's an accelerated learning experience, and on a human level, he's a very simple person, always there to help."