{"id":1873189,"date":"2026-04-08T21:11:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873189"},"modified":"2026-04-08T21:11:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:11:08","slug":"i-love-how-much-you-can-push-on-a-climb-a-hot-wheels-two-wheeler-and-mountain-bike-descents-lead-young-brazilian-henrique-bravo-to-first-uci-win-at-age-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873189","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I love how much you can push on a climb&#8217; &#8211; A Hot Wheels two-wheeler and mountain bike descents lead young Brazilian Henrique Bravo to first UCI win at age 19"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I love how much you can push on a climb&#8217; &#8211; A Hot Wheels two-wheeler and mountain bike descents lead young Brazilian Henrique Bravo to first UCI win at age 19<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T21:11:08Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Soudal-QuickStep Development talent riding high with road success in Europe this spring<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A young Henrique Bravo takes part in one of Brazil&#8217;s mountain bike events with Cachorro Louco Adventures<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Cachorro Louco Adventures)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-24999582-baea-422e-bc3f-809445cb95c2\">Don&#8217;t be surprised if you hear more shouts of &#8216;Bravo&#8217; at bike races, with a capital &#8216;B&#8217;. While the chant is a common exclamation to praise skill and courage, it&#8217;s also the surname of Brazil&#8217;s latest sports personality, 19-year-old cyclist Henrique Bravo. He&#8217;s on an upward trajectory far away from his Brazilian roots, now making noise in Europe with Soudal-QuickStep Development.<\/p>\n<p>There was another Enrique who became a role model in Brazil for a rising generation of cyclists: Enrique Avancini, who won World Cups, stages at Cape Epic and world titles with his mountain bike skills. Rather than a Kak\u00e1, Neymar, Rinaldo, or Rinaldinho, it was this athlete with two names and two world championships in marathon MTB who caught the attention of Bravo, carving a passion for the mountain bike and a path to a pro career on the road bike.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-24999582-baea-422e-bc3f-809445cb95c2-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It wasn&#8217;t until 2023 that Bravo raced for the first time in Europe. The next year, he switched to the road with a club team, Picusa Academy, and won the overall at the three-day Vuelta Junior a la Ribera del Duero. He then joined Soudal-QuickStep Development and adjusted to life in Girona, taking top-10 GC finishes at the hilly stage race Giro Ciclisto della Valle d&#8217;Aosta and the Tour Alsace.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a result&#8217; \u2013 Promising neo-pro Jarno Widar ready to test himself against GC stars at the Volta ao Algarve<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour du Rwanda: Brazilian Henrique Bravo climbs to stage 7 victory in Kigali<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>To start this year, Bravo won a stage at his first UCI 2.1 stage race, Tour du Rwanda, and then won the first GC title of his young career at Tour of Antalya. In less than two weeks, one day before his 20th birthday, Bravo will take the start of the U23 Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge for a second time, landing 21st in his debut.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Off the bike, Bravo can be recognised by his quick, broad smile and cheerful attitude. He describes himself as &#8220;a happy person&#8221; and &#8220;a dreamer&#8221;. On the bike, however, his confidence becomes evident and he does not hesitate to describe his talents with one word, &#8220;climber&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em>Cyclingnews<\/em> caught up with the new phenom from Brazil to learn how he switched allegiances for a sports career from football to cycling, how he has adjusted to life in Spain as a teenager and how far he thinks he can go.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22b1e1d2-db54-41a8-b894-591e77a04ef4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Enrique Bravo shows emotion with stage 7 win at 2026 Tour de Rwanda <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Provided by Soudal-QuickStep Development team)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6b16fb83-b78c-4319-9b48-4015dc4c010c\"><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>: Tell us about growing up in Nova Lima, a large town in the mountainous region of south-east Brazil. How did you got involved with cycling?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Enrique Bravo:<\/strong> I always had a lot of energy, so I did all the sports first, playing football, as almost all the kids in Brazil. I did swimming, cycling, judo, skateboarding and many more sports. My childhood in Brazil was amazing. I studied at an Italian school in the town while I did a bunch of sports (to try to spend my infinite energy) and had a lot of fun with friends playing football. For sure, my favourite subject was physical education, also I was interested in geography.<\/p>\n<p>But then, close to 11 years old, I decided to try a mountain bike class, close to where I live, and then I had a love [for cycling] from the first time on the two wheels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: Did you have a role model for cycling as a young rider, either in your family or from a professional athlete? <\/strong><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;My first one-day WorldTour race, I can&#8217;t complain about third&#8217; \u2013 Neo-pro Brady Gilmore steps it up in final stanza of Australian block at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Introducing: Valentina Cavallar \u2013 The Olympic rower turned promising Grand Tour racer who was inspired by the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A trial by fire&#8217; &#8211; George Hincapie&#8217;s Modern Adventure hope team spirit will make up for lack of Classics experience as their cobbled debut at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne approaches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>To be honest, when I was younger, I didn\u2019t watch cycling. The culture in Brazil was much more around football. An example, in my family, there is nobody who does cycling. But then, when I started mountain biking, I became a big fan of Henrique Avancini.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: What do you remember about your first bike? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> My first bike was very simple, which my family gave to me. It was like a supermarket bike with a collaboration with &#8216;Hot Wheels&#8217;. I had some extra wheels to help get the balance, and then after some time, I took [the training wheels] off. Since then, it was just fun.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3cb9282f-8dab-422a-abbc-579f196d64db\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">.Growing up in Brazil, Henrique Bravo took up mountain biking near his home in Nova Lima <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Henrique Bravo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3dfd70bc-1faf-4fd3-8f0e-bbc6ac7a8cc8\"><strong>CN: What was your first race on a bike outside Brazil? It was mountain biking, so how did that go? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> My first race outside Brazil was when I was a junior in 2023. The race was close to Aosta in Italy. It was unbelievable to ride for the first time in Europe; all the views and the trails were incredible. I got top five in my first race in Europe, also got second in a race in Switzerland, so overall it was nice to see that I had a good level, compared to the European level.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: Your first full season with Soudal-QuickStep Devo was in Europe last year. What were three things that you learned from the year?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> In Brazil, I basically did a couple of races on the road, before it was just MTB. So then last year with Soudal was one of my first real road races. It\u2019s a new world of experience and it was basically a school, I learned every day &#8211; how to position, to race as a team &#8211; and basically everything that in Brazil you don\u2019t have.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: It was a big change to go from Brazil to Spain at the age of 18. Tell us about the adjustments you needed and what skills you had that made it comfortable, too. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>For sure, it\u2019s a big move coming from Brazil to live in Spain, but I adapted quite fast! I have some friends from Brazil who also live here, so this helped a lot to get more social and talk my language, like I do at home in Brazil. I speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and am now learning French.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes you miss Brazil but I really love the life here in Girona, from the security of training without trucks but also the lifestyle of the city.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: So, are there busy roads where you lived in Brazil, and the roads are better in Spain?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> Yes, to go to the small roads without so many cars, you need to take the big road in Brazil. So I take the train. On the highway, there are a lot of cars and trucks passing at 120 kph, but I am already used to it.<\/p>\n<p>For some people from Europe, it would be quite scary to see how busy it is. So then I appreciate it a lot here in Girona where the cars respect the cyclists.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dab4ac10-aaa7-43a3-be47-00311f8fd7a2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Enrique Bravo begins his second season with Soudal-QuickStep Development team in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e9094bf7-d882-4c3d-a9aa-056d9185d5b5\"><strong>CN: How much faster has the peloton been on the road than what you were used to in South America?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>For sure, much faster. Everyone here is so incredibly strong and also they grew up racing on the road since they were young. Sometimes, when you come from another continent, it takes a bit more time to adapt to the racing style and all that stuff, but it is possible to follow them when you train hard, get some racing in the legs and gain experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: You had a diverse schedule in 2025 &#8211; Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, stage races in France and Italy, plus Worlds in Rwanda. What type of race suits you best?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>I really love the climbing races, for example, like Giro Valle D\u2019Aosta suits me quite well with the long climbs! The experience in Rwanda was amazing, racing with the Brazil colours is something unique. Nonetheless, I enjoyed a lot the more punchy races like Li\u00e8ge and races in Ardennes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: You spoke to Phil Lowe, team communications director, on <\/strong><em><strong>The WolfPack Howls<\/strong><\/em><strong> podcast in January about learning to suffer with climbing. What do you like the most about climbing? And what bike do you prefer to ride more, road or MTB?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>Since I started in cycling, I was good in the mountains. I basically love how much you can push on a climb. It is hard but amazing at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>Where I Iive in Brazil, I have a good climb, 5k from my home, it&#8217;s quite hard. I have a lot of big climbs to discover in Europe, so I\u2019m excited to one day do these mythical climbs like Alpe D\u2019Huez.<\/p>\n<p>Everybody asks me that question [about a favourite bike]. I would say road bike for climbing. And then when I arrive at the top, I switch, and then I go on the trails [with mountain bike].<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: In the next few years, what are the top races you look forward to racing the most?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> For this year, I have some top U23 races like Giro Next Gen and Tour de L\u2019Avenir. My goal for the next few years is to keep living my dream and never stop improving.<\/p>\n<p>I hope to be at the WorldTour level. To go to the Olympics in L.A. is a big goal. We&#8217;ll see in two years what is possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a result&#8217; \u2013 Promising neo-pro Jarno Widar ready to test himself against GC stars at the Volta ao Algarve<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour du Rwanda: Brazilian Henrique Bravo climbs to stage 7 victory in Kigali<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first one-day WorldTour race, I can&#8217;t complain about third&#8217; \u2013 Neo-pro Brady Gilmore steps it up in final stanza of Australian block at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Introducing: Valentina Cavallar \u2013 The Olympic rower turned promising Grand Tour racer who was inspired by the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A trial by fire&#8217; &#8211; George Hincapie&#8217;s Modern Adventure hope team spirit will make up for lack of Classics experience as their cobbled debut at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne approaches<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Emerging Talents<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I envisioned myself in a tunnel&#8217; &#8211; Ethan Brown uses breakout season as US cyclo-cross national champion to deal with &#8216;hyped&#8217; crowds at World Championships <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It would be a dream to race the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; &#8211; Pathways Fund provides novel support for two US riders to join French team and compete at Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Axel Laurance surges ahead of Igor Arrieta in two-rider sprint for stage 3 victory<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Scheldeprijs: Tim Merlier makes it look easy with third successive victory after season delayed by knee injury<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Pays de la Loire Tour stage 2: Ethan Vernon snaps up a second straight bunch sprint win<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I love how much you can push on a climb&#8217; &#8211; A Hot Wheels two-wheeler and mountain bike descents lead young Brazilian Henrique Bravo to first UCI win at age 19<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T21:11:08Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Soudal-QuickStep Development talent riding high with road success in Europe this spring<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A young Henrique Bravo takes part in one of Brazil&#8217;s mountain bike events with Cachorro Louco Adventures<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Cachorro Louco Adventures)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-24999582-baea-422e-bc3f-809445cb95c2\">Don&#8217;t be surprised if you hear more shouts of &#8216;Bravo&#8217; at bike races, with a capital &#8216;B&#8217;. While the chant is a common exclamation to praise skill and courage, it&#8217;s also the surname of Brazil&#8217;s latest sports personality, 19-year-old cyclist Henrique Bravo. He&#8217;s on an upward trajectory far away from his Brazilian roots, now making noise in Europe with Soudal-QuickStep Development.<\/p>\n<p>There was another Enrique who became a role model in Brazil for a rising generation of cyclists: Enrique Avancini, who won World Cups, stages at Cape Epic and world titles with his mountain bike skills. Rather than a Kak\u00e1, Neymar, Rinaldo, or Rinaldinho, it was this athlete with two names and two world championships in marathon MTB who caught the attention of Bravo, carving a passion for the mountain bike and a path to a pro career on the road bike.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-24999582-baea-422e-bc3f-809445cb95c2-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It wasn&#8217;t until 2023 that Bravo raced for the first time in Europe. The next year, he switched to the road with a club team, Picusa Academy, and won the overall at the three-day Vuelta Junior a la Ribera del Duero. He then joined Soudal-QuickStep Development and adjusted to life in Girona, taking top-10 GC finishes at the hilly stage race Giro Ciclisto della Valle d&#8217;Aosta and the Tour Alsace.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a result&#8217; \u2013 Promising neo-pro Jarno Widar ready to test himself against GC stars at the Volta ao Algarve<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour du Rwanda: Brazilian Henrique Bravo climbs to stage 7 victory in Kigali<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>To start this year, Bravo won a stage at his first UCI 2.1 stage race, Tour du Rwanda, and then won the first GC title of his young career at Tour of Antalya. In less than two weeks, one day before his 20th birthday, Bravo will take the start of the U23 Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge for a second time, landing 21st in his debut.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Off the bike, Bravo can be recognised by his quick, broad smile and cheerful attitude. He describes himself as &#8220;a happy person&#8221; and &#8220;a dreamer&#8221;. On the bike, however, his confidence becomes evident and he does not hesitate to describe his talents with one word, &#8220;climber&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em>Cyclingnews<\/em> caught up with the new phenom from Brazil to learn how he switched allegiances for a sports career from football to cycling, how he has adjusted to life in Spain as a teenager and how far he thinks he can go.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22b1e1d2-db54-41a8-b894-591e77a04ef4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Enrique Bravo shows emotion with stage 7 win at 2026 Tour de Rwanda <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Provided by Soudal-QuickStep Development team)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6b16fb83-b78c-4319-9b48-4015dc4c010c\"><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>: Tell us about growing up in Nova Lima, a large town in the mountainous region of south-east Brazil. How did you got involved with cycling?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Enrique Bravo:<\/strong> I always had a lot of energy, so I did all the sports first, playing football, as almost all the kids in Brazil. I did swimming, cycling, judo, skateboarding and many more sports. My childhood in Brazil was amazing. I studied at an Italian school in the town while I did a bunch of sports (to try to spend my infinite energy) and had a lot of fun with friends playing football. For sure, my favourite subject was physical education, also I was interested in geography.<\/p>\n<p>But then, close to 11 years old, I decided to try a mountain bike class, close to where I live, and then I had a love [for cycling] from the first time on the two wheels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: Did you have a role model for cycling as a young rider, either in your family or from a professional athlete? <\/strong><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;My first one-day WorldTour race, I can&#8217;t complain about third&#8217; \u2013 Neo-pro Brady Gilmore steps it up in final stanza of Australian block at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Introducing: Valentina Cavallar \u2013 The Olympic rower turned promising Grand Tour racer who was inspired by the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A trial by fire&#8217; &#8211; George Hincapie&#8217;s Modern Adventure hope team spirit will make up for lack of Classics experience as their cobbled debut at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne approaches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>To be honest, when I was younger, I didn\u2019t watch cycling. The culture in Brazil was much more around football. An example, in my family, there is nobody who does cycling. But then, when I started mountain biking, I became a big fan of Henrique Avancini.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: What do you remember about your first bike? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> My first bike was very simple, which my family gave to me. It was like a supermarket bike with a collaboration with &#8216;Hot Wheels&#8217;. I had some extra wheels to help get the balance, and then after some time, I took [the training wheels] off. Since then, it was just fun.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3cb9282f-8dab-422a-abbc-579f196d64db\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">.Growing up in Brazil, Henrique Bravo took up mountain biking near his home in Nova Lima <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Henrique Bravo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3dfd70bc-1faf-4fd3-8f0e-bbc6ac7a8cc8\"><strong>CN: What was your first race on a bike outside Brazil? It was mountain biking, so how did that go? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> My first race outside Brazil was when I was a junior in 2023. The race was close to Aosta in Italy. It was unbelievable to ride for the first time in Europe; all the views and the trails were incredible. I got top five in my first race in Europe, also got second in a race in Switzerland, so overall it was nice to see that I had a good level, compared to the European level.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: Your first full season with Soudal-QuickStep Devo was in Europe last year. What were three things that you learned from the year?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> In Brazil, I basically did a couple of races on the road, before it was just MTB. So then last year with Soudal was one of my first real road races. It\u2019s a new world of experience and it was basically a school, I learned every day &#8211; how to position, to race as a team &#8211; and basically everything that in Brazil you don\u2019t have.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: It was a big change to go from Brazil to Spain at the age of 18. Tell us about the adjustments you needed and what skills you had that made it comfortable, too. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>For sure, it\u2019s a big move coming from Brazil to live in Spain, but I adapted quite fast! I have some friends from Brazil who also live here, so this helped a lot to get more social and talk my language, like I do at home in Brazil. I speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and am now learning French.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes you miss Brazil but I really love the life here in Girona, from the security of training without trucks but also the lifestyle of the city.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: So, are there busy roads where you lived in Brazil, and the roads are better in Spain?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> Yes, to go to the small roads without so many cars, you need to take the big road in Brazil. So I take the train. On the highway, there are a lot of cars and trucks passing at 120 kph, but I am already used to it.<\/p>\n<p>For some people from Europe, it would be quite scary to see how busy it is. So then I appreciate it a lot here in Girona where the cars respect the cyclists.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dab4ac10-aaa7-43a3-be47-00311f8fd7a2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Enrique Bravo begins his second season with Soudal-QuickStep Development team in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e9094bf7-d882-4c3d-a9aa-056d9185d5b5\"><strong>CN: How much faster has the peloton been on the road than what you were used to in South America?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>For sure, much faster. Everyone here is so incredibly strong and also they grew up racing on the road since they were young. Sometimes, when you come from another continent, it takes a bit more time to adapt to the racing style and all that stuff, but it is possible to follow them when you train hard, get some racing in the legs and gain experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: You had a diverse schedule in 2025 &#8211; Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, stage races in France and Italy, plus Worlds in Rwanda. What type of race suits you best?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>I really love the climbing races, for example, like Giro Valle D\u2019Aosta suits me quite well with the long climbs! The experience in Rwanda was amazing, racing with the Brazil colours is something unique. Nonetheless, I enjoyed a lot the more punchy races like Li\u00e8ge and races in Ardennes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: You spoke to Phil Lowe, team communications director, on <\/strong><em><strong>The WolfPack Howls<\/strong><\/em><strong> podcast in January about learning to suffer with climbing. What do you like the most about climbing? And what bike do you prefer to ride more, road or MTB?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>Since I started in cycling, I was good in the mountains. I basically love how much you can push on a climb. It is hard but amazing at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>Where I Iive in Brazil, I have a good climb, 5k from my home, it&#8217;s quite hard. I have a lot of big climbs to discover in Europe, so I\u2019m excited to one day do these mythical climbs like Alpe D\u2019Huez.<\/p>\n<p>Everybody asks me that question [about a favourite bike]. I would say road bike for climbing. And then when I arrive at the top, I switch, and then I go on the trails [with mountain bike].<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: In the next few years, what are the top races you look forward to racing the most?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> For this year, I have some top U23 races like Giro Next Gen and Tour de L\u2019Avenir. My goal for the next few years is to keep living my dream and never stop improving.<\/p>\n<p>I hope to be at the WorldTour level. To go to the Olympics in L.A. is a big goal. We&#8217;ll see in two years what is possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/gif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF-140-80.gif 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fnfpSfuM3neaK9DtSrBcKF.gif\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Jackie Tyson<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">North American Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Jackie has been involved in professional sports for more than 30 years in news reporting, sports marketing and public relations. She founded Peloton Sports in 1998, a sports marketing and public relations agency, which managed projects for Tour de Georgia, Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah and USA Cycling. She also founded Bike Alpharetta Inc, a Georgia non-profit to promote safe cycling. She is proud to have worked in professional baseball for six years &#8211; from selling advertising to pulling the tarp for several minor league teams. On the bike, she has climbed l&#8217;Alpe d&#8217;Huez three times (not fast), and spends time on gravel around horse farms in north Georgia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a result&#8217; \u2013 Promising neo-pro Jarno Widar ready to test himself against GC stars at the Volta ao Algarve<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour du Rwanda: Brazilian Henrique Bravo climbs to stage 7 victory in Kigali<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My first one-day WorldTour race, I can&#8217;t complain about third&#8217; \u2013 Neo-pro Brady Gilmore steps it up in final stanza of Australian block at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Introducing: Valentina Cavallar \u2013 The Olympic rower turned promising Grand Tour racer who was inspired by the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A trial by fire&#8217; &#8211; George Hincapie&#8217;s Modern Adventure hope team spirit will make up for lack of Classics experience as their cobbled debut at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne approaches<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Emerging Talents<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q3J95fBiX8AU8aJKCfy8gT-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Instagram DMs, quiet Belgian side streets, and phone calls with parents \u2013 Inside the race to snap up cycling&#8217;s next top talents<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RFsQPgVqh9mBM2sQpfTau8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;She&#8217;s a real go-getter&#8217; \u2013 Who is Fleur Moors, the rapidly rising star who has challenged Lorena Wiebes twice already this season?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/JEwYhVeQpkzNhYf2hBbnv-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A killer sprint in the end&#8217; &#8211; Why a mad dash for Mid South Gravel victory shows a new generation has arrived<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5zPjNU6h2dHErs7g4xmdaS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">British rider among Lidl-Trek Junior Racing programme that aims to &#8216;find and develop the very best junior talent&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pTpmLDnjgH3TtLTBt2X74g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Emerging Talents<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I envisioned myself in a tunnel&#8217; &#8211; Ethan Brown uses breakout season as US cyclo-cross national champion to deal with &#8216;hyped&#8217; crowds at World Championships <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;It would be a dream to race the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; &#8211; Pathways Fund provides novel support for two US riders to join French team and compete at Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Axel Laurance surges ahead of Igor Arrieta in two-rider sprint for stage 3 victory<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Scheldeprijs: Tim Merlier makes it look easy with third successive victory after season delayed by knee injury<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Pays de la Loire Tour stage 2: Ethan Vernon snaps up a second straight bunch sprint win<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nEmerging Talents\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I love how much you can push on a climb&#8217; &#8211; A Hot Wheels two-wheeler and mountain bike descents lead young Brazilian Henrique Bravo to first UCI win at age 19<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJackie Tyson <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-08T21:11:08Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n8 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Soudal-QuickStep Development talent riding high with road success in Europe this spring<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-24999582-baea-422e-bc3f-809445cb95c2\">Don&#8217;t be surprised if you hear more shouts of &#8216;Bravo&#8217; at bike races, with a capital &#8216;B&#8217;. While the chant is a common exclamation to praise skill and courage, it&#8217;s also the surname of Brazil&#8217;s latest sports personality, 19-year-old cyclist Henrique Bravo. He&#8217;s on an upward trajectory far away from his Brazilian roots, now making noise in Europe with Soudal-QuickStep Development.<\/p>\n<p>There was another Enrique who became a role model in Brazil for a rising generation of cyclists: Enrique Avancini, who won World Cups, stages at Cape Epic and world titles with his mountain bike skills. Rather than a Kak\u00e1, Neymar, Rinaldo, or Rinaldinho, it was this athlete with two names and two world championships in marathon MTB who caught the attention of Bravo, carving a passion for the mountain bike and a path to a pro career on the road bike.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-24999582-baea-422e-bc3f-809445cb95c2-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">It wasn&#8217;t until 2023 that Bravo raced for the first time in Europe. The next year, he switched to the road with a club team, Picusa Academy, and won the overall at the three-day Vuelta Junior a la Ribera del Duero. He then joined Soudal-QuickStep Development and adjusted to life in Girona, taking top-10 GC finishes at the hilly stage race Giro Ciclisto della Valle d&#8217;Aosta and the Tour Alsace.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CpjPqeLwPbBDLXoQu2WQhZ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I&#8217;m going for a result&#8217; \u2013 Promising neo-pro Jarno Widar ready to test himself against GC stars at the Volta ao Algarve<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/BKgqTUwnbwydCuUCg6jKWJ-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">B\u00e4ckstedt, Scaroni, and beyond \u2013 Riders on the verge of a breakthrough this Spring Classics season<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dLZw9uvChFR9XqcTStnwgc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour du Rwanda: Brazilian Henrique Bravo climbs to stage 7 victory in Kigali<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>To start this year, Bravo won a stage at his first UCI 2.1 stage race, Tour du Rwanda, and then won the first GC title of his young career at Tour of Antalya. In less than two weeks, one day before his 20th birthday, Bravo will take the start of the U23 Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge for a second time, landing 21st in his debut.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Off the bike, Bravo can be recognised by his quick, broad smile and cheerful attitude. He describes himself as &#8220;a happy person&#8221; and &#8220;a dreamer&#8221;. On the bike, however, his confidence becomes evident and he does not hesitate to describe his talents with one word, &#8220;climber&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em>Cyclingnews<\/em> caught up with the new phenom from Brazil to learn how he switched allegiances for a sports career from football to cycling, how he has adjusted to life in Spain as a teenager and how far he thinks he can go.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-22b1e1d2-db54-41a8-b894-591e77a04ef4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AAPvHLVagt2snThVQhkxVN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Enrique Bravo shows emotion with stage 7 win at 2026 Tour de Rwanda <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Provided by Soudal-QuickStep Development team)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-6b16fb83-b78c-4319-9b48-4015dc4c010c\"><em><strong>Cyclingnews<\/strong><\/em><strong>: Tell us about growing up in Nova Lima, a large town in the mountainous region of south-east Brazil. How did you got involved with cycling?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-PziaodSeQCNUomaSZ6Ta5P slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Enrique Bravo:<\/strong> I always had a lot of energy, so I did all the sports first, playing football, as almost all the kids in Brazil. I did swimming, cycling, judo, skateboarding and many more sports. My childhood in Brazil was amazing. I studied at an Italian school in the town while I did a bunch of sports (to try to spend my infinite energy) and had a lot of fun with friends playing football. For sure, my favourite subject was physical education, also I was interested in geography.<\/p>\n<p>But then, close to 11 years old, I decided to try a mountain bike class, close to where I live, and then I had a love [for cycling] from the first time on the two wheels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: Did you have a role model for cycling as a young rider, either in your family or from a professional athlete? <\/strong><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VWi5mB8fNY88sBWEHXp7aV-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;My first one-day WorldTour race, I can&#8217;t complain about third&#8217; \u2013 Neo-pro Brady Gilmore steps it up in final stanza of Australian block at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w5s3qmGQfBSKaQYqevt99E-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Introducing: Valentina Cavallar \u2013 The Olympic rower turned promising Grand Tour racer who was inspired by the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vBNXAKbEraoHuCuwKXcZ2M-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A trial by fire&#8217; &#8211; George Hincapie&#8217;s Modern Adventure hope team spirit will make up for lack of Classics experience as their cobbled debut at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne approaches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>To be honest, when I was younger, I didn\u2019t watch cycling. The culture in Brazil was much more around football. An example, in my family, there is nobody who does cycling. But then, when I started mountain biking, I became a big fan of Henrique Avancini.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: What do you remember about your first bike? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> My first bike was very simple, which my family gave to me. It was like a supermarket bike with a collaboration with &#8216;Hot Wheels&#8217;. I had some extra wheels to help get the balance, and then after some time, I took [the training wheels] off. Since then, it was just fun.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-3cb9282f-8dab-422a-abbc-579f196d64db\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-849-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ACDLXh8vdtWeXNbRpvjnCg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">.Growing up in Brazil, Henrique Bravo took up mountain biking near his home in Nova Lima <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Henrique Bravo)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3dfd70bc-1faf-4fd3-8f0e-bbc6ac7a8cc8\"><strong>CN: What was your first race on a bike outside Brazil? It was mountain biking, so how did that go? <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> My first race outside Brazil was when I was a junior in 2023. The race was close to Aosta in Italy. It was unbelievable to ride for the first time in Europe; all the views and the trails were incredible. I got top five in my first race in Europe, also got second in a race in Switzerland, so overall it was nice to see that I had a good level, compared to the European level.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: Your first full season with Soudal-QuickStep Devo was in Europe last year. What were three things that you learned from the year?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> In Brazil, I basically did a couple of races on the road, before it was just MTB. So then last year with Soudal was one of my first real road races. It\u2019s a new world of experience and it was basically a school, I learned every day &#8211; how to position, to race as a team &#8211; and basically everything that in Brazil you don\u2019t have.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: It was a big change to go from Brazil to Spain at the age of 18. Tell us about the adjustments you needed and what skills you had that made it comfortable, too. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>For sure, it\u2019s a big move coming from Brazil to live in Spain, but I adapted quite fast! I have some friends from Brazil who also live here, so this helped a lot to get more social and talk my language, like I do at home in Brazil. I speak Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, and am now learning French.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes you miss Brazil but I really love the life here in Girona, from the security of training without trucks but also the lifestyle of the city.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: So, are there busy roads where you lived in Brazil, and the roads are better in Spain?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> Yes, to go to the small roads without so many cars, you need to take the big road in Brazil. So I take the train. On the highway, there are a lot of cars and trucks passing at 120 kph, but I am already used to it.<\/p>\n<p>For some people from Europe, it would be quite scary to see how busy it is. So then I appreciate it a lot here in Girona where the cars respect the cyclists.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dab4ac10-aaa7-43a3-be47-00311f8fd7a2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3WyoS8TdCbJwXXVKZ9NFjW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Enrique Bravo begins his second season with Soudal-QuickStep Development team in 2026 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Soudal-QuickStep)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e9094bf7-d882-4c3d-a9aa-056d9185d5b5\"><strong>CN: How much faster has the peloton been on the road than what you were used to in South America?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>For sure, much faster. Everyone here is so incredibly strong and also they grew up racing on the road since they were young. Sometimes, when you come from another continent, it takes a bit more time to adapt to the racing style and all that stuff, but it is possible to follow them when you train hard, get some racing in the legs and gain experience.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: You had a diverse schedule in 2025 &#8211; Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, stage races in France and Italy, plus Worlds in Rwanda. What type of race suits you best?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>I really love the climbing races, for example, like Giro Valle D\u2019Aosta suits me quite well with the long climbs! The experience in Rwanda was amazing, racing with the Brazil colours is something unique. Nonetheless, I enjoyed a lot the more punchy races like Li\u00e8ge and races in Ardennes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: You spoke to Phil Lowe, team communications director, on <\/strong><em><strong>The WolfPack Howls<\/strong><\/em><strong> podcast in January about learning to suffer with climbing. What do you like the most about climbing? And what bike do you prefer to ride more, road or MTB?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB: <\/strong>Since I started in cycling, I was good in the mountains. I basically love how much you can push on a climb. It is hard but amazing at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>Where I Iive in Brazil, I have a good climb, 5k from my home, it&#8217;s quite hard. I have a lot of big climbs to discover in Europe, so I\u2019m excited to one day do these mythical climbs like Alpe D\u2019Huez.<\/p>\n<p>Everybody asks me that question [about a favourite bike]. I would say road bike for climbing. And then when I arrive at the top, I switch, and then I go on the trails [with mountain bike].<\/p>\n<p><strong>CN: In the next few years, what are the top races you look forward to racing the most?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>HB:<\/strong> For this year, I have some top U23 races like Giro Next Gen and Tour de L\u2019Avenir. My goal for the next few years is to keep living my dream and never stop improving.<\/p>\n<p>I hope to be at the WorldTour level. To go to the Olympics in L.A. is a big goal. We&#8217;ll see in two years what is possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/emerging-talents\/i-love-how-much-you-can-push-on-a-climb-a-hot-wheels-two-wheeler-and-mountain-bike-descents-lead-young-brazilian-henrique-bravo-to-first-uci-win-at-age-19\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/vNpespyv3oAsYb5KgUEk9b-1023-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Emerging Talents &#8216;I love how much you can push on a climb&#8217; &#8211; A Hot Wheels two-wheeler and mountain bike descents lead young Brazilian Henrique Bravo to first UCI win at age 19 Features By Jackie Tyson published 8 April 2026 Soudal-QuickStep Development talent riding high with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1873189","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1873189"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873189\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1873189"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1873189"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1873189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}