"This environment can end up being dangerous" - World Tour pro worries about young riders' early development, long contracts and UCI points

Jesús Herrada has recently talked about his step down to ProTeam level, as he joins Burgos Burpellet BH on a one-year contract. He does not consider it a step down in his career, but instead a necessary boost in motivation to get back to his winning ways. However, at 35 years of age, he recognizes the dangers that come with the early development of riders he races with and against, and the problems that come with the UCI points pressure - which he has experienced himself.

"Everyone, from the managers and directors to the riders, was in an environment that wasn't ideal," Herrada said in words to Mundo Deportivo. "There will be cyclists who perform better under pressure, but the pressure we had regarding points and relegation was very high". This pressure, within Cofidis, had already been heavily criticized in 2024 by former British rider Harrison Wood, who talked about the riders racing individually and looking after their own ambitions so as to secure their future in the peloton. For a team of the level of Cofidis, not everyone has a place in an ever-changing world of cycling.

And Herrada, a rider who is now 35, was certainly included in that list. Cofidis has been relegated this year and he was set to descend to ProTeam level, but he has opted not to stay with the team he has joined in 2018, achiving lots of success including three Vuelta a España stages. He has noticed in recent years how much younger the peloton is getting, how much more professional young riders are, but also that this jeopardizes their longevity in the sport.

"The issue of young riders, who start training seriously from their junior years and taking care of themselves like professionals, with everything meticulously planned. It's true that this is why they stand out earlier, but in the long run, it's a bit unsustainable," he believes. "Teams start looking for youngsters from the cadet level, and then we'll have to see how long they can maintain a high level. They turn professional much earlier, and the retirement age is shorter than it used to be".

It is an environment that is very different from the years in which Herrada was growing in the peloton, where riders came up the ranks much more slowly. But it has been understood that with proper coaching and development, several riders can already perform at the top in their early 20's. This has changed the transfer market's dynamic fully, with experience being valued less currently.

"Exactly. In the end, all of this is difficult for young riders to handle, and for those who aren't well supported or don't have a strong head on their shoulders, this environment can end up being dangerous. The demands, the high contracts—that can end up being a good thing or a bad thing". He definitely believes some of the world's very best currently won't make it to his age still in the peloton.

"I don't know if he's thinking about it or not, but it will be difficult to see riders like Pogacar, Vingegaard, and others performing at this level until they're 38. It's true that at their age they've already won almost everything; they'll eventually have to set themselves new challenges," he believes.

As for Herrada, he is ensured a career until at least age 36. And in Burgos, he will be joining his brother José, with whom he's teamed up for most of his career, but now in different circumstances. "My entire career has been with Francisco Abelló. José has been coaching since he retired, and I'm going to try working with him," the Spaniard reveals.

"He'll definitely push me hard; we'll probably end up arguing one day! You know how it is with brothers; there's trust, and you end up telling each other the good and the bad". Can the veteran push himself back to his best with Burgos? The team has a lower level than Cofidis certainly, but by no means it is a settling down.

"Not for me. You have to be aware of the very high level of competition these days, even more so in the World Tour, where it's increasingly difficult to win. In certain races, I can be very competitive. You have to be realistic and see how far you can go with what you have. I'm hoping to get back to my best form".