The Japan Times - Cycling: five rough diamonds who dream of being the new Pogacar

Pablo Torres - Mountain master

The 19-year-old Spanish climber caused a sensation last summer on the Tour de l'Avenir, the Tour de France for riders aged under 23, by pulverising the record for the ascent of the formidable Col de Fenestre established by Chris Froome during the 2018 Giro. Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates made no mistake in signing up the Madrid-born rider until 2030, a long contract testifying to the confidence they have in him. Torres showed glimpses of his qualities in his first race with UAE in January's Tour Down Under, where he was seen up front several times. His goal is to "win his first professional victory." Ultimately he aims much higher.

Paul Seixas - French hope

Considered the greatest French talent in decades Seixas may only be 18 years old but has sparked immense expectation in a country which has not won the Tour de France for forty years. His fifth place in his first race as professional, at the Grand Prix de la Marseillaise, did nothing to dispel these expectations. An excellent climber he is also a powerful plains roller, and became world junior time trial champion in September, meaning he is the full package. "Winning the Tour de France is my ultimate dream and I will do everything to accomplish it," he told AFP this winter. Coveted by several teams, he has signed for five seasons with Decathlon-AG2R.

Albert Withen Philipsen - Prince of Denmark

As with Seixas the Dane is only 18 years old and also comes directly from the junior ranks. He impressed in his first race, the Tour Down Under, by not only finishing 17th overall but also winning the best young rider award. Former junior world champion on the road and in mountain biking, he is versatile, capable of shining in time trials, in the mountains and even on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix having finished fourth in the junior race in 2024. Lidl-Trek got their hands on him in 2023 when he became, at 16, the youngest junior world champion in history on the road race.

Jorgen Nordhagen - Vingegaard's protege

His father Finn was a Norwegian champion and when Jorgen joined Visma-Lease a Bike, two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard took under his wing and the 20-year-old found another role model. Doted with a slender build he came to cycling from cross-country skiing. He was even the junior world champion in the mass start in 2024, two minutes ahead of his closest pursuers. He was due to make his debut this week at the Tour of Oman but withdrew because of an illness, postponing his season start at the Boucles Drome-Ardeche in early March.

Joseph Blackmore - On his majesty's service

The 21-year-old Briton got a head start by joining Israel PT's pro squad in May 2024 after winning the Tour of Rwanda and Taiwan. He has since consolidated that form by also winning the Tour de l'Avenir ahead of Pablo Torres. "I didn't think I would make so much progress so quickly," said the Londoner at the end of the season. This all-rounder was named leader of his team last week at the Tour of Valencia, finishing in 26th place overall. The former mountain biker could race his first Tour de France this year.

S.Yamamoto--JT