One month ago, Matej Mohoric became the first rider to win the junior and U23 world championships road races in successive years. Next year the talented Slovenian will make his professional debut at Cannondale and he sees his two World titles as a step on the way to become one of the best cyclists in the world.
For most riders, it's a difficult step to go from the junior to the U23 ranks but for Matej Mohoric, the higher level has not been too challenging. Having already won the junior world championships in Valkenburg in his final year as a junior rider, he added the U23 world championships in his first attempt.
That feat has never been accomplished before and now Mohoric is hoping to make further strides in 2014 when he will turn professional with the Cannondale team. Despite an already impressive palmares, the talented Slovenian has no intention of resting on the laurels.
"It's been two amazing seasons," he said while vising Sidi Sport. "The two world championships were nice achievements but they were not the end goal for my career, only steps along the way to become a professional."
"To make the step to the professional level and do so in a big team with champions like Peter Sagan and Ivan Basso is truly remarkable. For me it is a dream come true. I've always wanted to be a cyclist. I am committed to it, have worked hard and now I have this great opportunity."
The step from junior to U23 may not have been too difficult for Mohoric but he knows that the next step is a major challenge. He doesn't expect to continue his string of world championships successes at the professional level in 2014.
"I know it won't be easy," he said. "Everything is new in the first year and I really have a lot to learn."
Alongside Alberto Bettiol, Davide Villella and Davide Formolo, Mohoric is one of four riders to turn pro with Cannondale in 2014.
01.05 - 04.05: La Coupe du President de la Vi... |
04.05: Sundvolden GP |
04.05: GP Eco-Struct |
04.05: Liège-Bastogne-Liège Junior |
04.05: Ronde van Overijssel |
04.05: GP du Morbihan |
04.05: GP du Morbihan Femmes |
28.04 - 05.05: Vuelta España Femenina |
30.04 - 05.05: Tour du Bénin |
01.05 - 05.05: Vuelta Bantrab |
Julio Garcia BRAVO 46 years | today |
Kyle GRITTERS 41 years | today |
Ben KNELLER 40 years | today |
Riccardo BOLZAN 34 years | today |
Marco SEGAT 47 years | today |
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