Younger than Seixas in 2025 - Team Jayco AlUla set to sign 17-year old directly into the World Tour
Cycling
Spanish cycling could have one of the youngest riders in the top tier in 2027. At just 17, Aitor Martínez is reportedly set to move straight to the World Tour, without first joining a development or continental team.
According to Daniel Miranda’s report for AS, Aitor Martínez has agreed to join Team Jayco AlUla for next season. The Catalan rider, who turns 18 on the 19th December, has just won the silver medal in the junior European Road Championships, a result that strengthens his standing among the most promising riders in Spanish cycling.
A possible move to Jayco AlUla would be another example of World Tour teams recruiting young talent without first sending riders through a development structure. This route is becoming increasingly common in modern cycling, as some of the sport’s brightest prospects reach the top level at a very young age.
The Catalan would take on the challenge before turning 18 at the start of the 2027 season. Martínez has attracted attention after his ride at this month’s junior European Championships. He finished second in the road race behind Norway’s Dybing, taking a place on the podium in a race that also featured Benjamín Noval, another leading figure in Spain’s emerging generation.
His European silver medal has put the spotlight on a rider who could move straight to the top tier. Rather than first spending time with a development team, his next step would take him directly into a World Tour structure.
Martínez will, if confirmed, be the youngest rider to ever step foot in the World Tour - months younger than Paul Seixas back in 2025 who currently holds the record; and compatriot Benjamin Noval Jr. who has just turned 18 ahead of his first pro contract with Netcompany INEOS.
Team Jayco AlUla will bring in Aitor Martínez to the World Tour at age 17
Benjamín Noval, another leading name in a young generation
Martínez’ signing would come at a particularly promising time for Spanish junior cycling. Benjamín Noval has been one of the standout riders of 2026, winning the road and time trial world titles as well as the European time trial title. The European road race was the only major victory missing from his list of results, with Norway’s Dybing taking the win and his compatriot Aitor Martínez claiming silver.
Noval is also on course to join the World Tour with INEOS, according to the report, confirming the interest young Spanish prospects are attracting from cycling’s biggest teams. His move to the British team is also seen as an investment in the future, giving him time to develop and adjust to the demands of the highest level.
A possible move to Jayco AlUla would follow a similar path, though Martínez’s young age would be a significant factor. The Catalan is still 17 and will not turn 18 until December, meaning he would start next season with far less experience than most riders in the professional peloton.
The youngest rider in the WorldTour in 2027
Aitor Martínez’s age would be one of the most striking aspects of a possible move to Jayco-AlUla. On 1 January 2027, he would be 18 years and just 13 days old, potentially making him the youngest rider in the entire WorldTour.
Benjamín Noval would not be far behind, starting 2027 just over 18 years old. Their presence would highlight the progress of a generation delivering strong results in the junior ranks and potentially moving straight into the biggest teams in professional cycling.
That step would also have sporting implications for the young riders. Once racing for World Tour teams, they would be ineligible for upcoming under-23 World and European Championships. If selected by their national team coaches, they would have to compete in the elite categories instead.
Aitor Martínez’ possible move to Jayco-AlUla would therefore be another step putting Spanish talent in the international spotlight. Pending official confirmation, the junior European runner-up could go from standing out among riders his own age to competing at the highest level just after turning 18.
Jorge BorregueroWriter
Jorge Borreguero is a journalist with a degree from the Complutense University of Madrid and has been a writer for Cyclinguptodate and Ciclismoaldia since early 2023. In this role, he has played a key part in the evolution of the website, particularly as a specialist covering Movistar Team. He regularly writes race reports, analytical pieces, and in-depth features about the team, and has conducted exclusive interviews and attended multiple team presentations, providing readers with firsthand insights into one of the leading professional cycling squads.
Throughout his career, Jorge has maintained a strong focus on sports journalism, gaining experience across a variety of disciplines, including basketball and football. However, his current work is almost entirely dedicated to cycling, contributing extensively to Ciclismoaldia and its sister website Cyclinguptodate. For these platforms, he combines thorough research with detailed reporting to deliver high-quality content, ranging from race previews and results to expert analysis of teams and riders.
Jorge’s reporting is marked by accuracy, depth, and a commitment to providing readers with reliable and authoritative information. His direct engagement with teams, athletes, and events ensures that his coverage reflects firsthand knowledge and professional insight. Through his work, he has established himself as a trusted voice in professional cycling journalism, bridging the gap between the sport and its global audience while maintaining rigorous editorial standards.
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