PRESS CONFERENCE Iván Romeo | Spain's big hope makes Tour debut: "The priority is to learn as much as I can. I’m only 21"

Iván Romeo is the brightest young hope in Spanish cycling heading into the 2025 season. The Movistar Team prospect arrives at the Tour de France fresh from winning a stage at the Critérium du Dauphiné and claiming the Spanish national road race title. Now, he faces the biggest challenge of his career so far: his debut in a Grand Tour.

The 21-year-old spoke about his ambitions for the Tour at the official pre-race press conference, attended by CiclismoAlDia. What followed was yet another masterclass in maturity from Romeo. Here are the standout moments from his appearance:

“In a week’s time, I probably won’t be saying it’s ‘just another race’, but that’s how I try to approach cycling — as something fun, almost like a hobby or a game. That’s my mindset. Of course, the Tour will be different, but the idea is to enjoy it and do what I’ve always done. And when things get tough… we’ll see how we respond.”

“I come from a generation where this is taken more seriously, and for me, it’s second nature. I’ve got a family that gives me peace of mind — my brother is a cyclist, and most of my friends are too. So far, I haven’t felt overwhelmed or under too much pressure. I try to enjoy the routine, which is something I really like.”

“Routine feels very natural to me. On the team bus, I’m usually on the phone with my brother — he’s my biggest support. And I always listen to the same music to help me focus. A lot of Eminem and other American artists — they really get me in the zone.”

“It’s my first Tour, my first Grand Tour — so that alone makes it huge. The priority is to learn as much as I can. I’m only 21 — I know that’s a cliché, but it’s true. The team’s main goal is to support Enric [Mas] and help him finish as high up in the GC as possible. Everything will revolve around that. Of course, if an opportunity arises to get in a break and go for a stage win, I’ll try — but our main job is clear.”
“For example, on stage five — the time trial — I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got and more. I won’t be thinking too much about Enric that day!” (laughs)

“We worked really well together at the Dauphiné — things clicked between us. It’s easy to ride alongside him. We’re quite similar — we both like setting clear goals and fighting to achieve them. That’s the same whether I’m riding with Enric or with Nelson Oliveira.”

“I haven’t slept in it — not yet!” (laughs) “But it looks amazing. The team presentation was incredible. Wearing that jersey is just one more reason this Tour will be special. It brings more attention, of course — we’ll see if that’s a good thing or not. But I’m enjoying every bit of it.”

“I’m not going to dodge the question — but I couldn’t give you a percentage. I won’t say no to the idea. If I get the chance to be in breakaways, I’ll absolutely try to go for stage wins. I think I’ve shown I’m capable. But we’ll take it day by day. I’ll push myself in the time trial to gauge where I stand compared to the others — and from there, see what opportunities come.”

“He’s just another teammate — though of course, he’s the team leader during the race. It’s great to ride with the best, because it means you are riding among the best. I like having clear objectives — and when Enric is racing, we all know what those are.”