Instead of being worn, another rainbow jersey is set to be displayed. For the fourth consecutive year, the men’s under-23 time trial at the World Championships was won by a professional rider, Movistar’s Iván Romeo, who triumphed on the shores of Lake Zurich. This dominance has prompted the UCI to consider altering the eligibility rules for this category.
Prior champions like Søren Wærenskjold, Johan Price-Pejtersen, and Lorenzo Milesi were already established professional riders when they claimed their under-23 world titles. In Zurich, Romeo was accompanied on the podium by Continental rider Jakob Söderqvist from Sweden and bronze medallist Jan Christen from Switzerland, both part of a field that included riders from UAE Team Emirates and other top-level teams.
Despite being the pre-race favorite, Lotto-Dstny’s Alec Segaert finished fourth in Zurich after a successful time trial at the Renewi Tour. Notable riders from other teams such as Darren Rafferty (Ireland) from EF Education-EasyPost, and Michael Leonard and AJ August from Ineos, also participated in the event.
After allowing Pro Continental riders in 2005 and WorldTour riders in 2017, the UCI is now considering reverting those changes, as reported by DirectVélo. Starting next year, WorldTour and Pro Continental riders might be excluded from UCI Road World Championship events in the under-23 category.
Romeo, who has been racing for Movistar for two seasons, expressed his thoughts on the rule change, acknowledging that despite being a young professional, the under-23 category should remain competitive. He mentioned that while it might not be fair to Continental and amateur riders, the best should compete at the highest level.
Although Romeo cannot wear his rainbow jersey in competition, he remains satisfied with his achievement, understanding that many former champions move up to the next category before displaying their championship jersey. He also joked about the rarity of Spain’s success in time trials after Miguel Induráin’s era.
Despite the potential rule changes, Romeo acknowledged the significance of his victory and the challenges faced in such a competitive field. His dedication and preparation for the under-23 time trial paid off, securing his place in cycling history.
Amateurs
Silver medallist Jakob Söderqvist, part of the Lidl-Trek development squad, reflected on the eligibility rules, emphasizing the value of competing against established professionals. While recognizing the benefits of showcasing amateur talent, he appreciated the opportunity to test his abilities against higher-level riders.
Bronze medallist Jan Christen, a standout performer at UAE Team Emirates, reflected on his successful season and the pride he felt in competing at a high level. Both riders acknowledged the competitive nature of the under-23 category and the challenges it presents.
As the UCI considers changes to the eligibility rules for the under-23 category, riders like Romeo and Christen continue to push themselves to excel and prove their worth in the cycling world.
