The 2025 UCI Road World Championships Junior Men’s time trial is set to feature exciting talent, highlighted by the presence of two sons of former professionals. Benjamin Noval from Spain and Ashlin Barry from the USA are among the top contenders for the coveted rainbow bands. Noval, the son of the former rider of the same name, is poised to make a significant impact as he prepares for his first world championships on October 7, 2025.
Noval, who turns 17 on the day of the event, has emerged as a remarkable talent in the cycling world. He has already signed a contract with Ineos Grenadiers to join their ranks in 2027, a testament to his potential. This year alone, Noval has claimed victory in 20 races, showcasing his prowess on the bike. Despite his impressive record, he faces the challenge of competing at the world level for the first time, and how he handles the pressure remains to be seen.
Barry, the son of Canadian cyclists Michael Barry and Dede Demet Barry, is another name to watch. As the US junior time trial champion, he has achieved notable results in Europe, including a second-place finish in both the Paris-Roubaix and the E3 Saxo Classic for juniors this year. Barry’s experience includes a ninth-place finish in the junior time trial at last year’s world championships. However, the transition from racing as a 16-year-old to competing at 17 can be significant, and Barry will need to leverage his experience to excel.
In what promises to be a competitive race, Michael Mouris from the Netherlands stands out as Barry’s main rival. As the Dutch junior national champion and the winner of Paris-Roubaix ahead of Barry, Mouris has shown his capabilities. After a disappointing performance at last year’s worlds, he bounced back by winning the European title on a course similar to the one in Kigali, where the championships will take place.
Other notable contenders include Seff van Kerckhove, the Belgian champion who recently triumphed at the Giro della Lunigiana, Italian champion Roberto Capello, and British champion Dylan Sage. Each of these riders brings their own strengths to the competition, contributing to an exciting lineup for the event.
The atmosphere surrounding the UCI Road World Championships, taking place on African soil for the first time, adds an extra layer of significance to this year’s competition. As anticipation builds, cycling enthusiasts and fans alike can expect thrilling performances as the next generation of cyclists vie for the prestigious rainbow jerseys.
For those interested in comprehensive coverage of the championships, Cyclingnews offers in-depth analysis and updates directly from Rwanda, ensuring that fans stay informed on all major storylines and developments.
