A Rising Star Takes teh Stage: pablo Torres Joins UAE Team Emirates
Spanish cycling prodigy Pablo Torres is poised to make his mark on the world stage. At just 19 years old, heS set to embark on his professional career with the prestigious UAE Team Emirates, home to cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar, for the 2025 season. Under the guidance of experienced director Joxean Fernández ‘Matxin’, Torres joins a roster brimming with young talent, including Joao Almeida and Juan Ayuso, solidifying his position as one of Europe’s most promising cyclists.
Torres’s WorldTour debut is just around the corner. He’ll be lining up alongside seasoned veterans like Marc Soler for the Tour Down Under, a six-stage race held in Australia from January 21st to 26th. This iconic event, frequently enough used by cyclists to kickstart their season during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, will provide Torres with valuable experience and a chance to contribute to the team’s success.
the Tour Down Under’s terrain favors sprinters and riders adept at rolling hills, making it an ideal opportunity for Torres to gain crucial racing kilometers and support his teammates. Led by Australian Jay Vine, the UAE Team Emirates squad is aiming for a strong showing in this early-season test.
Torres’s meteoric rise in 2024 cemented his status as a future star. His remarkable performance in the Tour del Porvenir, where he secured second place overall and claimed victory in two stages, showcased his remarkable talent. Adding to his accolades, he also won a stage in the Giro del Valle de Aosta, two of the most prestigious races for under-23 cyclists. Remarkably, he achieved these feats in his debut year in the category, underscoring his immense potential and ambition.
A star is Born: An Exclusive Interview with Sean Kelly on Spanish Cycling Prodigy pablo Torres
Welcome back cycling fans to another insightful episode of “In the Peloton”. Today, we have a true legend of the sport, four-time Giro d’Italia winner and cycling commentator extraordinaire, Sean Kelly, joining us to dissect the rapid rise of Pablo Torres and his entry into the professional ranks with UAE Team Emirates.
Sean, thanks for joining us. Everyone’s buzzing about this young Spaniard. What are your initial thoughts on Pablo Torres and his potential?
Sean Kelly: “Well, you can’t help but be impressed by what Pablo has achieved already. Second overall in the Tour de l’Avenir at only 19, and stage wins in both that and the Giro del Valle d’Aosta – it’s truly remarkable. He’s clearly a prodigious talent, and joining a team like UAE Emirates with renowned directeur sportif Matxin, alongside established stars like Pogacar and Almeida, is a fantastic possibility for his growth.”
Torres makes his WorldTour debut at the Tour Down under. Do you think this is a wise choice for him?
Sean Kelly: “Absolutely. It’s a great race for a rider like Torres to gain experience. It’s not overly demanding in terms of terrain – suited to sprinters and riders who can handle rolling hills – which will allow him to find his feet without being thrown into the deep end. Plus, being part of a strong UAE Team Emirates squad will take pressure off him and allow him to learn from experienced riders like Marc Soler.”
UAE Emirates already has a wealth of young talent. How do you think Torres fits into thier long-term plans?
Sean Kelly: “UAE Emirates are building something special. They’ve shown they’re willing to invest in young riders and provide them with the platform to thrive. With Torres, Almeida, Ayuso, and of course Pogacar, they have a core group capable of dominating races for years to come. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Torres develop into a key domestique for Pogacar in Grand Tours in the future, but he also has the potential to become a leader in his own right.”
What advice would you give to young riders like Torres just starting their professional careers?
Sean Kelly: “First and foremost, enjoy the ride! It’s a privilege to be a professional cyclist, so savor the opportunity to compete at the highest level. Secondly, be patient. It takes time to truly develop at this level. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks, learn from them. And always listen to your experienced teammates and coaches. They’ve been there and done that, so soak up their wisdom.”
Thank you for those insightful words, Sean. We’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on Pablo Torres’s progress throughout the season.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Pablo Torres and his potential? Share your opinions in the comments below. Do you think he can live up to the hype? Will he be a future Grand Tour contender? Let’s discuss!
