“It’s like the Real Madrid of cycling” – Red Bull’s new Galactico lifts the lid on joining Evenepoel and Roglic in 2026

Haimar Etxeberria is the latest rising talent to walk through the doors of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, sealing a move that instantly places him alongside two of the biggest names in the sport: Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic.

At just 22, the Basque rider has gone from modest post-race croquette celebrations in his village bar to joining what he openly describes as “the Real Madrid of cycling.”

The step up to the WorldTour marks another rapid escalation in a journey that has already defied expectations. In conversation with Marca, Etxeberria acknowledges the magnitude of the leap, but insists his grounded approach — family, friends and simplicity — will not change.

“My name has gone global. It’s like signing for the Real Madrid of cycling. You have to know how to handle that. I’m a simple guy — I stick with my family, my partner and my friends. I don’t want to change and I won’t.”

Etxeberria says the transfer accelerated from the moment he hit a streak of strong results, sparking interest from several WorldTour teams.

“After I won in Castilla y Leon and put together a month of really strong results, my manager and Benat Intxausti began to see real possibilities of jumping to the WorldTour. There were teams interested. Everything seemed to be pointing towards Jayco, but then I had a conversation with Red Bull where I felt a special connection from the first minute. They understood my objectives. I had no doubts when it came to signing.”

The appeal went beyond the team’s structure. Red Bull’s roster for 2026 includes Evenepoel — the rider Etxeberria calls his biggest reference point — as well as Roglic, two champions whose presence only strengthened his decision.

“I’ve followed Red Bull since the Peter Sagan era. I fell in love with cycling when he revolutionised this sport. And it just so happened Evenepoel, my big reference, was arriving. Everything came together.”

Kern Pharma, the team that guided his early professional years, supported the move with full understanding. “Kern Pharma didn’t put up any obstacles. Juanjo is a wonderful person and someone I still trust. Those bonds don’t break.”

Etxeberria’s long-term goals lean towards the Ardennes, where he hopes one day to compete for the grandest of one-day prizes. “I love the Ardennes. I dream of winning Liege–Bastogne–Liege or Fleche Wallonne one day. Also the Clasica San Sebastian, because I’m Basque and it practically starts from my doorstep.”

His inspirations are clear: Sagan for flair, Valverde for dominance, and Alex Aranburu as the rider he views as a realistic benchmark.

For now, though, he insists his focus is less on immediate results and more on absorbing everything the WorldTour — and Red Bull’s vast support structure — can teach him. “Once I’ve adapted to the WorldTour and the way Red Bull works, we’ll see how I can evolve. My priority is to absorb as much as possible. I’m privileged to have this opportunity. Every piece of advice will go straight into the notebook.”

Despite the meteoric rise, Etxeberria says he remains the same village rider who once turned up to group rides on an old white bike with downtube shifters.

“I started in trials riding. Then my friends got me into the village bike rides. I had a white bike with no brand, with the gears on the frame. I was 1.70 and 82 kilos. I was a sprinter. Life has changed a lot.”

Some routines remain non-negotiable — time with family, quiet celebrations, and a riding group back home made up mostly of cycling-obsessed 40- and 50-year-olds. “I’m still a village kid and I want to stay that way.”

His grandmother, who famously used to avoid attending races out of nerves, was there for the turning point — the day he won the Vuelta a Bidasoa. Now, watching him sign for Red Bull, she shares his disbelief. “We’re taking it all in together.”

Etxeberria’s arrival at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe brings youthful excitement, obvious potential and a personality that fits neatly into the team’s long-term vision. He knows the opportunity is enormous; he also knows he’s stepping into one of the most scrutinised environments in cycling.

Still, he prefers to think simply. “Being a professional cyclist is about enjoying it and working hard, not losing your essence.”

Red Bull may have its next Galactico — but he’s keeping both feet firmly on the ground.