Johannes Staune-Mittet aims for the most prestigious U23 races before stepping up to WT level in 2024: "I want to show myself and go for the win"

Johannes Staune-Mittet is rightfully considered one of the most talented guys around. The former cross-country skier impressed Jumbo-Visma scouts back when he was junior, securing himself a contract with the team's Development Team. Their cooperation went very well and both sides immediately agreed on a long-term deal with the World Tour squad through 2026.

This year, he already won Giro del Belvedere (1.2U), while regularly competing with main team. His main goals for rest of the season are the two 'Grand Tours' for U23 riders. "I will go to the Giro U23 and then to the Tour de L'Avenir with the national team. Those are really the big goals. I want to show myself there and go for the win," said the Norwegian in an interview for WielerFlits. "I showed last year that I am able to perform stable throughout the season."

"That was really cool," says Staune-Mittet about the week he spent as Vingegaard's roommate at O Gran Camiño. "Jonas is a nice guy, but I was also a little scared, you know? I took extra care to make sure I wasn't a little sick, just to make sure I didn't make him sick. He has great goals coming up this year and it was really cool to learn from one of the best riders in the world. He is a role model for young riders like me."

Staune-Mittet is a gifted climber as he has shown immediately in his first year as U23, coming 4th in Tour of Malopolska (2.2), followed by a stage win and another 4th place at highly anticipated Ronde de l'Isard (2.2U). But what really caught attention of many was his impressive 2022, when, among many other results, the then 20-year old came 2nd overall in the most important stage race of U23 calendar, Tour de l'Avenir. But this wasn't all as Staune-Mittet finished his season with overall win at Ronde de l'Isard.