Author: cyclingmole

Ireland doesn’t produce many professional cyclists, but the ones they do produce are quality. Archie Ryan is the next Irish star in the making. The young climber has just turned 21 and he rides for the Jumbo-Visma Development Team, but he’s already had some opportunities to ride for the pro team, and he’s impressed in...

Matthew Riccitello is a very talented young man. He’s the latest American to make the jump to the professional ranks and he’s got a bright future ahead with Israel Premier – Tech. A quality climber, he’s one who’ll try to shine in the mountains and develop into a top GC man. At the start of...

Thomas Gloag to Team Jumbo-Visma caught a few by surprise. He’s their first British rider this millennium and most expected that he’d join Ineos, but there are a growing number of options for young British pros and it’s great to see Tom head down a lesser worn path. After a very impressive performance in Tour...

Gerben Thijssen has enjoyed a wonderful season, his first with Intermarché – Wanty. A few eyebrows were raised when they signed him from Lotto Soudal, especially as 2021 was a bit of a struggle for the sprinter. Immediately, they put together a sprint train to support Gerben, this train remained consistent throughout the season, which...

I’ll get this out the way nice and early, I love Mattias Skjelmose. You see, he’s my kind of rider, someone who throws caution to the wind, and doesn’t mind living dangerously. He’s got panache.  The Dane joined Trek-Segafredo back at the end of 2020, with 2021 being his first full season. That year he...

Reuben Thompson started 2022 already with a professional contract in the bag, thanks to a hugely successful 2021 where he achieved many good results including winning Giro Valle d’Aosta. 2022 was going to be his final year in the under 23 ranks, but he also knew that there would be the opportunity to ride for...

At the tail end of the season, we were treated to a young Scot called Oscar Onley going toe-to-toe with the current Tour de France champion. To see a 19-year-old ride with no fear against the yellow jersey was brilliant to see, especially as they come from my home, it’s been a long time since...

Sometimes a first-year pro blasts onto the scene and makes everyone take note. In a season where many youngsters took impressive results, Axel Laurance, is a rider who caught my eye. The 21-year-old, who rides for B&B Hotels – KTM, was a constant threat in the second half of 2022, and he even managed to...