Young Spanish Cyclist Benjamín Noval Aims to Compete with Pogacar in the Tour

Published on January 26, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Cyclist Benjamín Noval, wearing the national champion jersey, smiles while holding his road bike after a victory.

Spanish young cyclist Benjamín Noval aspires to compete with Pogacar in the Tour

Benjamín Noval, an emerging talent in Spanish cycling who currently dominates the junior national championships in road, cyclocross, and cross-country (XCO), has set an ambitious goal: to compete against Tadej Pogacar in the Tour de France. Despite admitting that the Slovenian's level makes it seem like an almost unattainable goal, Noval emphasizes his determination to work and prove that he can fulfill that personal dream. 🚴‍♂️

Turning expectation into a driving force

The athlete does not shy away from the pressure that comes with being pointed out as the next big figure in cycling in Spain. Instead, he chooses to focus that expectation as a positive stimulus. His philosophy is pragmatic: he recognizes the gap with the best riders in the world, but insists on his willingness to travel the necessary path to close that distance and emulate his references.

The pillars of his approach:
  • Transform external pressure into internal motivation for training.
  • Use his projected status as a spur to strive and progress.
  • Maintain a realistic approach to the challenge, without losing ambition.
"My long-term goal is to be racing the Tour de France against Tadej Pogacar. I know it seems practically impossible given his level, but it's my dream and I want to work to achieve it."

The path to reach the top

His statements reflect the characteristic ambition of new generations of cyclists, who set very high goals even in the face of current dominant forces of great power. Noval's triumphs in lower categories show a solid and versatile base. His current strategy focuses on developing that potential through constant work, with his sights set on being able to measure himself in the most demanding competitions on the professional calendar.

Key elements of his trajectory:
  • A competitive base demonstrated with junior national titles in three different disciplines.
  • A focus on progressive development and methodical work.
  • The ambition to compete at the highest level, symbolized by the Tour de France.

A dream that guides training

For now, Noval's plan to keep up with Pogacar in the Grande Boucle relies more on faith and dedication in training than on a detailed tactical analysis. This perspective may be familiar to any cycling fan who has tried to stay in a stronger group during a ride, where conviction and effort are as crucial as strategy. His path illustrates the combination of dream and reality that defines an athlete's rise to the world elite. 🏆