“You race for second place when you race against Pogacar” – Movistar’s latest talent reveals astonishing level of Tadej Pogacar

Flashback to last September at the World Championships in Zurich, a day that will forever be etched in cycling history. Tadej Pogacar completed his extraordinary Triple Crown by securing the World Championship rainbow jersey, capping off a season that saw him win the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and World Championships.

But while Pogacar’s win dominated headlines, another rising star also made his mark in Zurich. 21-year-old Spaniard Iván Romeo won the Under-23 Time Trial, announcing himself as a name to watch for the future. The 6ft 4in Movistar Team rider also finished ninth in the Under-23 Road Race, showing to the world he is a serious prospect.

Fast forward to 2025, and Romeo is already proving that his success in the U23 ranks was no fluke. A stage win at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana and a 4th-place finish overall at the UAE Tour, where he also won the Best Young Rider classification, have verified his place among cycling’s most promising talents.

Romeo’s outlook on the sport is refreshingly unique. While most young riders grow up idolising the legends of cycling, his inspiration came from a different world.

"My idols were basketball players because their mentality is like mine. Cycling is very modest, so I feel a bit more for basketball. I think we miss that a bit in cycling," he told Rouleur.

That mentality translates into how he approaches training and racing. Unlike many of his peers who immerse themselves fully in the sport’s rigorous structure, Romeo believes that keeping cycling fun is the key to success.

"Keeping cycling fun is something I try to do. I think sometimes we are too serious in general, with training camps and things like that. Sometimes you don't enjoy it."

For Romeo, enjoyment directly correlates to performance. "When I'm on altitude training, weighing my food and being super focused, I'm stressed and therefore not good on the bike. When I'm at home, training with my friends and having fun, I'm better. I might be a kilo heavier, but then I'm a better cyclist."

This philosophy is a contrast to the increasingly scientific and data-driven approach seen in modern cycling. While structured training and marginal gains have led to significant performance improvements in the sport, Romeo’s comments highlight the importance of mental strength, and how it goes hand in hand with his peak performance.

Romeo’s preparation for his Under-23 Time Trial World Championship title was as unorthodox as his mindset. Rather than following a meticulously crafted, high-tech training plan, he kept things simple.

"I was there for two weeks with my father. I remember that one day I had two hours. Then I did a five-kilometre circuit with a very difficult descent in it. I did that lap fifteen times, and my father was standing downstairs to tell me if there were any cars coming."

For Romeo, this simplicity is what cycling is all about. The race itself was a moment of complete focus, free from distractions.

"I had nothing on my mind during that time trial. My brain didn't have to do anything, only my legs."

Growing up in Valladolid, Romeo believes his hometown provided the perfect environment to hone his time-trialling skills.

"Where I come from, in Valladolid, is the best place to train for a time trial. There we have very long, straight roads. If you want to train both the time trial and your mental strength, you go there. The landscapes are all the same. There is also often wind, which also helps."

Romeo’s early 2025 results have proven that he is more than capable of competing with the best in the professional peloton. His stage victory at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana was a significant moment in his young career.

"When I raced there, it felt different because I felt at home," he said about winning in his home country. "Even though I did crazy things then, it felt like training, as if I had done it before."

Riding at home clearly brings out the best in him, but his performance at the UAE Tour was arguably even more impressive. Finishing 4th overall behind Pogacar and securing the best young rider classification proved that he is already capable of holding his own in a WorldTour stage race.

Competing at the highest level means racing against the sport’s elite, and for Romeo, that meant going up against Tadej Pogacar in the UAE Tour. The experience left a lasting impression.

"When you're riding close to him with other riders, and also with other great riders, it feels a bit like, 'What's going on here? This is weird.'"

Romeo briefly attempted to follow Pogacar’s wheel but quickly realised the scale of the challenge. He shouldn’t worry, he’s certainly not the first to find out the hard way why you shouldn’t follow Pog!

"You saw what happened then. In my experience, you race for second place when you race against Pogačar. Still, it is nice to see what your level is because racing against him is the hardest thing there is. So it gives a good indication of where you stand."

This moment of reflection is telling. Rather than being discouraged by the gap between himself and Pogacar, Romeo sees it as an opportunity for growth, a benchmark to strive toward.

At just 21 years old, Ivan Romeo’s career is still in its early stages, but his rapid progression suggests a bright future ahead. His combination of raw talent, unique mentality, and willingness to learn from the best sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.

With Movistar Team investing heavily in young talent, Romeo has the platform to develop into a future Grand Tour contender or a dominant force in one-day races. His ability to time-trial at an elite level and his growing confidence in stage racing make him an exciting talent who could thrive across multiple disciplines.

If he can continue balancing his love for the sport with his competitive drive, there’s every reason to believe that Romeo will be a major name in professional cycling for years to come. His results so far in 2025 indicate that his rise is only just beginning, and Spanish cycling can start to get excited.