The next big thing? - Why Netcompany Ineos' junior signing Noval is already proving worth with brilliant climbing performance
Cycling
Netcompany Ineos look to have a huge talent on their hands after one of their boldest signings put in a huge climbing display, recording impressive numbers as a junior rider at just 17-years-old. Benjamín Noval has prompted speculation that he could emerge as the next big thing and attracting comparisons to Paul Seixas.
Since the emergence of Tadej Pogacar, rising super-talents have faced the pressure of reaching the stratospheric levels of the Slovenian and until late 2025, only Jonas Vingegaard has been able to occasionally match his Grand Tour dominance. But Paul Seixas' rise this season and announcement that he'll compete in the Tour de France has got fans excited.
The 19-year-old completed podiums in Strade Bianche and Liege-Bastogne-Liege as well as winning La Fleche Wallone, Faun-Ardeche Classic and Itzulia Basque Country, making him cycling's latest teenage sensation. But there's a new kid on the block looking to follow in the Decathlon CMA CGM rider's footsteps.
Netcompany Ineos investment in Noval
Benjamín Noval was announced as Netcompany Ineos' new singing in june 2025 as a 16-year-old. The Spanish rider is yet to officially join British team however, and must complete his junior cycle before stepping up to WorldTour.
The move certainly raised eyebrows at the time given the team's commitment to a first-year junior. In their announcement, the team claimed he could develop into 'something special' and judging by his latest performance, they could be proven right.
The Asturias rider won on the Alto de Polio, an ascent measured 5.52 kilometres at an average gradient of 9.82%, with 542 metres of elevation gain. Noval conquered the climb in 17 minutes and 26 seconds, averaging 19 km/h on a sustained climb close to 10%.
According to Spanish publication Marca, the incredible numbers behind his effort came out at 6.67 watts per kilo, with a VAM of 1,865 metres per hour - exceptional figures for a 17-year-old rider.
The numbers put Noval's performance in the conversation of top climbing numbers among the WorldTour, without making any direct comparisons given it was at junior level. However, the son of Benjamín Noval, a former trusted domestique for Alberto Contador, certainly has a bright future ahead.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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