"The biggest pressure comes from yourself" - Slovenia’s rising star Jakob Omrzel takes his first steps in Bahrain colours

Jakob Omrzel is entering the most important chapter of his young career with a calm mindset and clear priorities. The youngest Slovenian rider in the WorldTour is beginning his first full season at Bahrain - Victorious after an early setback caused by a right knee injury, but the 20-year-old is focused less on immediate results and more on learning the demands of elite racing.

Last season’s white jersey winner at the Tour of Slovenia is now returning to racing rhythm step by step, determined to build form gradually rather than force progress too soon.

During the route presentation for this year’s Slovenian national tour, there was anticipation that Omrzel might repeat the bold ambition he voiced in Novo Mesto last year, when he said he hoped to upgrade the white jersey into green in 2026. This time, however, the young Slovenian was more cautious and could not confirm whether he would even be on the start line.

The reigning Slovenian road race champion knows a long season can change quickly, especially in a WorldTour team where calendars are shaped by many moving parts. Right now, he says, the team is asking for experience and race kilometres rather than victories.

His next assignment is the Tour of the Alps, a race packed with climbing in Tirol and Trentino, where he hopes to test himself against proven professionals.

Asked what changes most when moving from junior racing to the top level, Omrzel offered a clear answer.

“Everything is faster and more intense. Your focus has to be one hundred percent for the whole stage; the pace is planned much more precisely, every detail matters. But I like that; it is the challenge I wanted,” he told RTVslo.

That challenge has become even sharper in modern cycling, where teenagers are increasingly competitive at the highest level. Riders such as Paul Seixas are already making headlines among the elite, something Omrzel sees as a natural evolution rather than a surprise.

“Not at all. Paul is an exceptional rider with the right mentality. What he is showing now is superstar level; he is one step ahead of everyone. But this is reality today; riders have to be universal. The days when you could slowly develop until you were 25 are gone.”

While many observers speak about rising expectations on young riders, Omrzel does not believe outside pressure is the biggest issue.

“I would not say it comes from the team or from the public. At least I do not feel it like that. Bahrain Victorious are very patient, they know I am young.”

Then he added the line that best sums up his current mentality.

“The truth is that riders create the biggest pressure themselves. We are the ones pushing hardest because we want results. For me, that is not negative; it is simply part of the natural process in modern cycling.”

The mountainous Tour of the Alps is one of Omrzel’s major targets for this part of the season.

“It is one of my bigger goals in this block. The route is extremely hard, full of climbs, which suits me. My shape is improving, so I am really looking forward to it.”

After that, altitude training and more stage racing are likely to follow, with a possible appearance at the Tour de Romandie also under consideration.

As for the Tour of Slovenia, Omrzel admits nothing is certain.

“Everything depends on the moment and on my condition. If the stars align, I would be thrilled to race. I really like this year’s route; it is full of difficult and interesting stages.”

He is equally careful when discussing national team goals, with the World Championships in Canada and the European Championships on home roads still some distance away.

“The desire is huge, but the decision will depend on how my body responds in the second part of the season.”

This season also marks the end of Omrzel’s time in the under-23 category. He confirmed he will not return to races such as Tour de l'Avenir.

“Yes. Partly because of the rules, as riders from WorldTour teams cannot start certain races, and partly because I already proved myself there. I no longer see room for progress in U23. Now I need to look for experience and results in the real races.”

He also ruled out a Grand Tour debut this season.

“No, definitely not this year. That was agreed with the team from the start. Step by step, building kilometres in the legs, with stage races as the priority.”

Before ending the conversation, Omrzel was asked whether watching this year’s Paris-Roubaix made him miss the cobbles. Two years ago, he won the junior edition of the race.

“My legs were really itching! If the chance comes, I will definitely return to Roubaix in the future. It is a race that gets under your skin.”

He then smiled before delivering one final verdict on modern cycling.

“Today you cannot be only a climbing specialist or a sprinter anymore. You have to be universal, and the cobbles are part of that exam.”