"They let me grow very quietly here... I can decide everything myself" - Jarno Widar explains choice to turn down interest from elsewhere and remain at Lotto

After much interest and speculation this transfer window, a big money move has not materialised for Lotto's Belgian prodigy Jarno Widar. As it turns out though, the 19-year-old Baby Giro winner might just be in the perfect place to develop as a rider.

"There may have been talks," Widar admits of rumoured transfer talk in conversation with Sporza. "But I'm here now and I'm focusing on this year with Lotto. They let me grow very quietly here. I get all the opportunities from them and I can decide everything myself. I don't see anything negative at the moment."

Make no mistake though, the choice to stay put is by no means due to a lack of ambition on Widar's part. The teenage sensation is hungry and determined to write his name into the annals of cycling history, but stresses that patience will be key to him being able to make those leaps and bounds in the future.

"I want to do better than last year. If I notice that I am making progress, then I will be very satisfied," he says of his plans for 2025. "I'm thinking of specific blocks, altitude training and heat training. Last year I just rode the bike and did interval training. That was it. I'll be honest: I've had doubts about turning pro. But as of this year, pros are no longer allowed to participate in the World Championship for promising athletes. That's why I decided to remain a promising athlete."

"Do I want to become world champion in the U23 category? (thinks for a long time). Wanting to, yes, being able to is another matter," he concludes. "Just like the European Championships and the Tour de l'Avenir. I missed those goals last year and I want to score there now. I will also ride the Baby Giro, but I have already won that. I would rather tick something else off."