“We have to understand that talents like Tadej Pogacar are once in a generation” - Michael Storer realistic about his own development

Michael Storer is not trying to rush the process. In a peloton increasingly shaped by riders who reach the very top at a young age, the Tudor Pro Cycling Team climber has taken a more gradual path to the elite level and is comfortable with that trajectory.

Speaking recently in conversation with Tutto Bici Web, the Australian reflected on the philosophy that has guided his development and the mindset that helped him take a decisive step forward last season.

“I have always tried to take a long-term view of my development and look for every possible way to improve, without being satisfied with where I am but always aiming for something more,” Storer explained. “We have to understand that talents like Tadej Pogacar are once in a generation.”

For Storer, the focus has never been on comparing himself with the sport’s most extraordinary talents, but rather on building his own progression step by step.

That patient approach paid off in emphatic fashion in 2025 when Storer claimed overall victory at the Tour of the Alps. The demanding five-day race across Austria and northern Italy proved a turning point in the Australian’s career, delivering both a prestigious stage race title and a new level of confidence.

After attacking to win stage two in Sterzing, Storer went on to secure the Melinda Green Jersey in Lienz ahead of Thymen Arensman, producing one of the most impressive climbing displays of the race.

“That day made me realise that I am capable of achieving big results in important races and against very high-level opponents,” Storer said. “The Tour of the Alps is a race where every stage is demanding and can be decisive. You have to stay focused and ready across all five days of racing.”

The impact of that performance was felt throughout the remainder of the season. Storer went on to produce the strongest campaign of his career, highlighted by a podium finish at Il Lombardia behind Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel, confirming his ability to compete at the very highest level in mountainous terrain.

The Tour of the Alps now returns to the calendar from 20 to 24 April with the tenth anniversary edition beginning in Innsbruck and finishing in Bolzano. For Storer, the race again forms a central part of his preparation for the Giro d’Italia.

“The Tour of the Alps is a race that suits my characteristics perfectly, and it takes place at a good time of year for me,” he said. “Usually, I need a bit of time to reach my best condition, and this year the start of the season has been affected by a few problems, but in April, I can always be competitive. Arriving there in good condition is fundamental in view of the Giro d’Italia. At the Tour of the Alps, you need to find race intensity, evaluate your legs, and it is also an important opportunity to achieve a prestigious result before the Corsa Rosa.”

Storer’s progression has come later than some of the sport’s biggest names, but the Australian believes that steady development has ultimately proved the right formula. After more than two seasons with Tudor Pro Cycling Team, he feels the Swiss outfit has provided the environment needed to reach his full potential.

“At Tudor, I embraced a project that wanted to invest in me, putting energy and resources into helping me express my best level,” Storer said. “After two and a half years, I can confirm that the results have met expectations.”

Now the challenge is different. Rather than proving he belongs at the top level, Storer must show that the breakthrough of 2025 was only the beginning of the next stage of his career.