Sean Kelly Lavishes Praise on Emerging Young Cyclists: “The Future of Cycling is Bright with this New Generation of Talent, Skill, and Determination”
Sean Kelly, one of the greatest cyclists in the history of the sport, is no stranger to recognizing exceptional talent. Known for his prowess in both classics and stage races during the 1980s and early 1990s, Kelly dominated the cycling world with a remarkable career that saw him win nearly every major one-day race and capture multiple Grand Tour stages. Today, even years after his retirement, his influence remains profound. As a commentator, mentor, and ambassador for the sport, Kelly has been keen to observe the rise of young cyclists and their impact on professional cycling.
Recently, Kelly has spoken with admiration and optimism about the new generation of riders emerging on the global stage, predicting a bright future for the sport. His insights, shaped by decades of experience, highlight the incredible skill, determination, and potential of these young athletes who are redefining what is possible in modern cycling.
The Changing Landscape of Professional Cycling
Professional cycling has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. With advancements in training methodologies, nutrition, sports science, and technology, the sport has become more demanding, competitive, and globalized. Young cyclists are no longer viewed as inexperienced rookies who need years of seasoning before competing at the highest level. Instead, a new breed of riders, often in their early twenties, are making an immediate impact in WorldTour races, Grand Tours, and Classics alike.
Sean Kelly has been observing these developments closely, noting how today’s young riders are not only physically prepared but also mentally sharp and tactically astute. Many of them are already challenging seasoned veterans in the biggest races, showing a level of maturity and confidence that belies their age. This shift has transformed cycling, making it more dynamic and unpredictable, with young talents regularly contending for – and winning – major titles.
Kelly, who knows what it takes to reach the top, has been particularly impressed by the seamless transition that many of these riders have made from the junior and U23 ranks to the elite level. Riders like Tadej Pogačar, Remco Evenepoel, Egan Bernal, and Mathieu van der Poel have all burst onto the scene in their early twenties, dominating races and shaking up the established hierarchy of the peloton. For Kelly, these cyclists represent a new era, one in which youth and experience are no longer as separate as they once were.
Kelly’s Praise for the New Generation
In his analysis of the current crop of young riders, Sean Kelly hasn’t held back his praise. “What we’re seeing now is truly remarkable,” Kelly recently commented during an interview. “These young cyclists are coming into the sport with such a high level of professionalism. They’re fit, they’re fearless, and they’re ready to take on the world. The future of cycling is incredibly bright with this new generation of talent, skill, and determination.”
Kelly highlighted several factors that set this generation apart from previous ones, including their ability to excel in multiple disciplines. Riders like Van der Poel and Wout van Aert have not only dominated road racing but have also shined in cyclocross and mountain biking. This versatility, according to Kelly, is reshaping the sport by creating riders who are more adaptable, aggressive, and capable of excelling in different types of races.
“When you look at someone like Mathieu van der Poel,” Kelly said, “he’s doing things on the bike that we wouldn’t have even imagined back in my day. He’s got the power and skill to win in the cobbled Classics, but he can also compete in sprint finishes, time trials, and even mountain stages. It’s this kind of all-around talent that makes him so dangerous, and the fact that he’s still so young means he’s got years of success ahead of him.”
Kelly also praised the mental toughness of the young stars. “What stands out to me is their fearlessness,” he said. “They aren’t intimidated by the big names or the pressure of the moment. These guys go into races with the confidence that they can win, whether it’s their first Grand Tour or their first Classic. That mindset is incredibly important because it shows they’re not afraid to take risks, and in cycling, that’s often what separates the winners from the rest.”
The Impact of Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel
Among the many young riders making waves, Tadej Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel have been particularly outstanding, and Kelly has been quick to recognize their brilliance. Pogačar, who became the youngest rider to win the Tour de France in over a century when he triumphed in 2020 at the age of 21, has since continued to dominate the Grand Tour scene. His back-to-back victories in 2020 and 2021 solidified his status as one of the most talented and versatile cyclists of his generation.
Kelly was full of admiration for Pogačar’s achievements. “What Tadej has done at such a young age is beyond impressive. Winning the Tour de France is one of the hardest things in the world, and to do it not once but twice, and so early in your career, is extraordinary. He’s got the complete package: he can climb, he can time trial, and he’s got that explosive kick that allows him to attack when it matters most.”
Similarly, Kelly has been amazed by the rise of Remco Evenepoel, the young Belgian sensation who, like Pogačar, has taken the cycling world by storm. Evenepoel’s victories in one-day races, stage races, and time trials, coupled with his relentless attacking style, have drawn comparisons to cycling legends, including Eddy Merckx.
“Remco is another incredible talent,” Kelly remarked. “He’s got that raw power and aggression that makes him so exciting to watch. He’s not afraid to attack from long range, which is something we don’t see very often anymore. He takes risks, and when they pay off, he looks untouchable. His performances remind me of the greats, and I think he’s only going to get better.”
Mentorship and the Role of Veterans
While Kelly is excited about the potential of these young riders, he also emphasized the importance of mentorship and guidance from more experienced riders within the peloton. In his own career, Kelly benefited from racing alongside seasoned veterans who helped him learn the ropes and navigate the complexities of professional cycling. Today, he sees that same dynamic at play, with young stars like Pogačar and Evenepoel benefiting from the knowledge and experience of older teammates.
“One thing that’s crucial for these young guys is having the right people around them,” Kelly said. “Cycling is a team sport, and even the best riders in the world need the support of their teammates and mentors to succeed. Riders like Tadej and Remco are incredibly talented, but they also have the benefit of learning from experienced pros who’ve been in the sport for years. That’s invaluable because it helps them avoid some of the pitfalls that young riders can face.”
Kelly also pointed to the role of teams and coaches in developing young riders, noting that modern cycling teams have become much more focused on nurturing talent from an early age. “Today’s teams are doing an incredible job of supporting young riders,” Kelly said. “They’re providing them with the right training, the best equipment, and the guidance they need to succeed. And we’re seeing the results of that in the performances of these young guys.”
The Future of Cycling in Safe Hands
For Sean Kelly, the rise of this new generation of cyclists signals a bright future for the sport. With riders like Pogačar, Evenepoel, Van der Poel, and many others already achieving extraordinary success at such a young age, Kelly believes that cycling is entering an exciting new era.
“I think we’re witnessing something special in cycling right now,” Kelly concluded. “The level of talent we’re seeing is unprecedented, and it’s not just one or two riders. There are so many young guys who are capable of winning the biggest races, and that’s great for the sport. It keeps things exciting, it keeps the fans engaged, and it pushes everyone to be better. The future of cycling is in safe hands with this new generation.”
As one of the most respected voices in the sport, Sean Kelly’s endorsement of the new generation carries significant weight. His admiration for their talent, determination, and fearlessness is a testament to the impact that these young riders are having on the sport, and his belief in their potential suggests that the best is yet to come.
