"We have to be especially careful with these young riders" - INEOS warned on how to nurture junior World Champion
Cycling
Benjamín Noval Jr. has done more than win two junior world titles. The young Spaniard has stirred excitement across Spanish cycling, giving fans fresh reason to dream about the future. His talent, results and precocious rise have put him firmly in the spotlight.
The double world champion will soon take on one of the biggest challenges of his still young career: turning professional with Netcompany INEOS. The move will give him the chance to test himself against the best riders in the international peloton and discover the limits of his potential. Expectations are high, but those around him stress that he must be allowed to progress at his own pace.
Noval’s emergence has also brought different generations of Spanish cycling to the same conclusion: he is a special rider. His physical ability, maturity and early grounding in the sport have fuelled the most optimistic predictions. Yet those who know cycling well also understand that talent needs time, learning and a supportive environment that shields young riders from excessive pressure.
In a feature published by Marca, ten respected voices discussed the Asturian’s future and agreed that he has exceptional ability. Some even predicted that he will win races in his first professional season. Others, including Luis Ángel Maté and Samuel Sánchez, stressed the need to let him develop without turning every result into an obligation.
Benjamín Noval Jr. is Netcompany INEOS' next big hope
Exceptional talent still to mature
Félix García Casas makes no secret of his belief in the young Asturian’s potential. The former rider and current technical manager believes Noval has what it takes to make an early impact at the highest level. “I’m convinced he’ll win something in his first year as a professional with INEOS,” he says. His prediction reflects Noval’s performances so far, as well as a quality he considers essential: “He’s been doing everything very well, with a great engine and a great head on his shoulders.”
Despite that bold prediction, García Casas repeats a message he considers vital: “We have to be patient.” Luis Ángel Maté shares that view and sees the Asturian as wonderful news for Spanish cycling. “Little Benja is a blessing for our sport. He’s achieved something unprecedented,” he says.
The rider from Málaga points out that Spain has developed great talents without rushing their careers, citing Miguel Induráin as an example. “I’d like Benja and all the riders of his generation to have the chance to grow slowly, learn from their mistakes, and not have anything demanded of them so soon.”
INEOS have managed to secure one of cycling's greatest talents
Maté believes the main risk is not just sporting performance, but also the psychological burden of expectations. “I think we have to be especially careful with these young riders from a psychological point of view,” he warns. Carlos Barredo shares that concern. He recognizes Noval’s rare talent but questions the pace at which modern cycling is developing its young prospects. “Benja is going to be a great rider, but I hope they manage him well and don’t rush the process,” he says.
Francisco Ventoso also welcomes the Asturian’s arrival from a different perspective. The former rider believes Noval’s two junior seasons have been extraordinary and that his emergence gives Spanish fans a new rider to follow. “I think his two years as a junior have been spectacular. He’ll surely bring a lot of joy,” he predicts.
Héctor Álvarez, meanwhile, praises the ease with which Noval is handling the media attention. “He’s been a champion since he was a child,” he says, highlighting the grounding he received from his father: “His father has given him a very solid foundation.”
“He’s been surrounded by the best riders in the world”
Pascual Momparler also points to Noval’s maturity. The national team coach believes Benja is entering the professional ranks better prepared than many riders of his generation. Growing up in a cycling family and surrounded by professionals has familiarised him with the demands of the sport’s highest level from an early age.
“He’s mature for his age. He grew up in a cycling household and has been surrounded by the best riders in the world,” Momparler explains. He believes that experience gives Noval a significant advantage in handling both success and setbacks.
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Samuel Sánchez’s view carries particular weight because of his close personal ties to the Noval family. The Olympic champion has known the youngster for years and stresses that there is a person behind the rider who deserves protection:
“Don’t burden him with pressure, labels or targets. Don’t create short-term expectations that are impossible to meet. Managing them will be crucial to his development,” he warns. He also underlines the importance of structures such as the Academy and MMR’s support in helping more talents of this calibre emerge.
The move to INEOS will begin an entirely different chapter. Noval will need to adapt to a new calendar, greater demands and opponents with experience in the biggest races. His ability is clear and the predictions are encouraging, but his progress will also depend on how he handles the first hurdles of professional cycling. The excitement he has generated is undeniable; turning it into a demand would be the first mistake.
Javier RampeCycling Journalist
Javier Rampe is a sports analyst with more than 15 years of experience. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Rome and a Diploma in Business Studies from the University of Cádiz. Despite coming from an academic background not particularly associated with cycling, his passion for both cycling and journalism was instilled in him from an early age. He grew up following Miguel Indurain and José María “El Chava” Jiménez. An admirer of Michael Robinson’s communication style and journalistic approach, he was inspired to pursue a degree in Journalism at the University of Buenos Aires, which he is currently completing.
He has always maintained close ties with the worlds of sport and culture, contributing from a young age to sports blogs and film and music review websites. His work has appeared in media outlets such as Cope, RAI, and Radio Con Vos. He is also the founder of the cycling-focused podcast El Contraanálisis and the football interview channel Días De Fútbol, dedicated to conversations with professional footballers.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Javier has interviewed some of the most influential figures in modern cycling, including Alejandro Valverde and Tadej Pogačar, as well as key voices in anti-doping policy such as Alberto Yelmo, David Varillas, and Marcelo Milano. Marcos Maynar, in relation to the ‘Operación Ílex’ case, is also among the personalities he has interviewed. He enjoys conducting in-depth analysis of the cycling ecosystem and has attended major events such as Strade Bianche, the Vuelta a Andalucía, and Itzulia, as well as numerous national cyclo-cross races.
His background in economics, combined with extensive experience in marketing and corporate communications, drives his continuous study of positioning strategies and ensures that he always keeps his focus on crafting compelling and evocative headlines.
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leedorney31-10-2026 - Pogi too!Lozza31-10-2026
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