In the highly competitive world of professional cycling, spotting the next big talent often comes down to watching results at U19 and U23 races. However, many young talents never get a chance to shine due to a lack of access to these races. Tudor Pro Cycling Talent Days aims to change that by scouting for hidden potential outside of the usual spotlight. While other big teams tend to focus on established junior races to discover talent, Tudor wanted to take a different approach. The goal is to uncover young, promising cyclists who may have slipped through the cracks of conventional scouting.
“Our idea is to create an opportunity for riders who don’t normally get the chance to show what they’re capable of in major races. This is a new concept for us, but we’re optimistic about
discovering talents who align with our team’s objectives, and this event will help riders become more familiar with our organization.”
In May 2024, Tudor Pro Cycling had received 500 applications via a form on the Team website from aspiring cyclists across Europe. The scouting project was primarily marketed through our
social media channels and the newsletter. Using a thorough evaluation process, the team whittled down the pool of candidates. A group of ten riders from Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Estonia, Belgium, Spain, and Lichtenstein were selected for the next phase. They all have different backgrounds, different levels of experience, and different ages.
The Selection Process
Rather than following a rigid checklist of requirements, Tudor Pro Cycling’s talent scouts took a more holistic approach. Applicants had to be in the right age bracket, and young enough to have ample time for development. However, pure performance numbers weren’t the only metric paid attention to.
“We didn’t just select the riders based on their performance numbers,” the Head of Development, Boris Zimine explained.
“We sought out individuals who demonstrated strong potential— riders who had already shown a certain level of skill that we could further develop. We also took their backgrounds into
account. For instance, athletes from other sports, such as skiers and cyclists who are new to mountain biking (MTB), are particularly interesting to us. Consequently, some of the riders
we invited had extensive experience in other sports before transitioning to cycling. Additionally, factors such as how long they had been involved in the sport and their geographical location were important considerations in our decision-making process.”
The geographical factor is key, as it’s often easier for riders in certain countries to access development structures. In countries where cycling is not very widespread, it is much more
difficult to develop further because there is a lack of structure,and there are usually only a few races in which young talents can compete. What is very important for Tudor Pro Cycling
is the human aspect. How motivated are the riders to join the Tudor Pro Cycling Development Team and do their values match ours?
A Massive Turnout and Rigorous Tests
Over three days in May, the chosen cyclists underwent a variety of tests, including LT1 tests, training sessions, and a tactical race between them. In addition to training and testing
the young talents also gained an insight into the everyday life of a professional cyclist. They were treated with massages, and their bikes were taken care of so they could focus on the
training. Besides all physical exercises, it was important to the team to also get to know the human behind the rider. It was a comprehensive process aimed at evaluating not just physical abilities, but also the personal and professional fit within the team.
“We’re excited to see how these young talents grow with us. It’s not just about racing – it’s about building the future of the sport.”
The Future of the Talent Days
While the Talent Days are still a trial for Tudor Pro Cycling, theinitial results have been promising. The initiative is a novel way of searching for untapped talent, and the team believes they have found riders who will develop into strong competitors in the years to come. This initiative is more than just scouting— it’s about opening doors for young athletes and fostering a deeper connection between the team and the next generation of professional cyclists.
This story is also published in the next issue of Musette Magazine. Head up to our shop to check it now.