What INEOS didn’t reveal about Benjamín Noval’s deal
INEOS secures Spain’s top cycling talent for the long term
The Spanish National Championships gave me the chance to enjoy the racing live again, chat with lots of riders and coaches, and witness up close the chaos the Spanish Federation found itself in on Friday during the time trial, where, at one point or another, four different riders thought they'd won.
One of the standout names of the weekend was Benjamín Noval. The 16-year-old junior, son of the former US Postal and Astana domestique of the same name, completely dominated his category, despite being one of the youngest riders in the field.
He started by winning the uphill time trial to Sierra Nevada, then followed it up with a stunning display in the road race. He attacked with 60 kilometres to go and built up a lead of over four minutes on Eñaut Urkaregi, who came in second and looks close to turning pro with the Lidl-Trek development squad next year.
At the finish line, Noval couldn’t hide his emotion after such an incredible feat.
It’s been an unforgettable week for Benjamín Noval and a real turning point in his career, especially after INEOS announced last Thursday that he’ll join them once he finishes his junior years, starting in 2027.
Although the British team didn’t reveal the length of the deal, I’ve learned over the weekend that Spain’s biggest cycling talent has signed with INEOS through to the end of 2030.
Despite strong interest from several other teams in Noval, he’ll continue his development in the MMR Academy under Samuel Sánchez’s guidance until then.
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