Ineos Grenadiers have signed one of the youngest riders in the team's history, 16-year-old Spaniard Benjamín Noval, the son of a former professional cyclist of the same name. Currently riding for the MMR Academy in his home country, Noval will start riding for the WorldTour team from 2027, when he leaves the junior class.
A press release from Ineos Grenadiers calls Noval "one of the most exciting young riders and a future star" with "natural racing instincts, climbing ability, tactical intelligence and maturity."
His father rode with Alberto Contador on the Discovery Channel, Astana and Saxo Bank teams from 2008 to 2013, being a loyal helper on mountain stages, but never won a professional race.
The son of Noval showed great potential in his first junior season this year, winning five one-day races and all three multi-day races he entered, plus five stages in the Vuelta a la Montaña Central, GP FWR Baron and Vuelta al Besaya Juniors. Today, Noval was crowned Spanish Junior Champion in the time trial.
Noval is also involved in cyclo-cross and finished fourth at the World Championships in February.
"Benjamin has all the makings of something truly special," said Ineos Grenadiers Performance Manager Scott Drawer. "He is smart on the bike and determined off it, and he has already shown a strong ability to assert himself in a competitive environment. We are delighted to support his transition to the WorldTour level and help him realise his full potential within our program."
